THE signatures gathered from an online petition to retain the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry services were handed over to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf last week, during a visit to Arran.

And the 2,500 strong petition was joined by 1,200 signatures gathered by the grassroots campaign on the island over the past three weeks.

Colin Turbett, who helped to gather signatures on the island, told the Herald: “I think the Minister got a clear message today how ordinary people feel about this issue. He knows how the business community feels but he needed to hear the voices of typical ferry users who rely on the link with Ardrossan for everyday purposes. Today he heard how his decision will impact on the low wage economy on Arran as well as the already devastated economy in the Three Towns.”

His view was echoed by Terri-Jan Lambie of Brodick who kick started the online petition, she said: “ I started the Change.Org petition because I was so angry that Troon was even being considered. I was amazed how much support it got. Folk who know the island and the Three Towns have been quick to sign and leave comments why - which are being passed to the Minister.”

And Humza Yousaf also spoke to Three Towns residents who work in the Co-op in Brodick and they explained to him that if the route was to move to Troon that they would have to leave their positions.

Rowan McNairn from Ardrossan and Katie Beardsworth from Saltcoats are pictured discussing their situation with Mr Yousaf and Katie said: “13 of us travel over to the Brodick Co-op to work as there are no jobs for us in the Three Towns. We will lose them if the ferry goes to Troon.”

The minister is expected to make a decision on where the ferry will run from in the next few weeks.

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