WE asked locals for their views on the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry service and you responded in your droves.

Here are some of the views, both for and against, the proposed move and why you think it should or shouldn’t happen.

At present, people travelling to and from Arran are well catered for being able to go by car or on foot.

The train from Central Station in Glasgow takes visitors straight to the harbour. Ardrossan Town would suffer as a result if the ferry were moved to Troon. Travellers with heavy luggage, bikes etc coming by train would have to transfer to buses to reach the harbour which is not very convenient or sensible.

There would be job losses and businesses would lose customers not only Asda but other small shops also.

Isabel Garrett

Saltcoats.

I have been travelling to and from Arran for the 64 years of my life.

I remember that during the summer months the ferries sailed to Ardrossan. While during the winter months, sailings to Millport and Arran left from Fairlie. Occasionally Gourock.

Even way back then Ardrossan was deemed an unsuitable port during expected adverse weather in the winter months.

I have never understood why, when this situation was known about, they upgraded Ardrossan as the main port of favour to either Fairlie or Gourock.

In the last few years, the reliability of the ferry has been lamentable. I know Health and Safety have a big part to play nowadays but having plans cancelled at the eleventh hour because of high tide, low tide, adverse weather, fog or mechanical problems is becoming one of the biggest jokes on Arran.

It’s not so funny though when week after week there is some reason why I have to miss another grandchild’s birthday, hospital appointment, a concert or show which has been booked and is too late to cancel.

Two years ago, we missed Christmas with our family. No Xmas meal for us. No presents for the children from Granny and Grandpa.

Lastly. Having booked and paid for their holiday, most islanders leave a day early, paying extra to stay at a hotel, to ensure they catch their holiday flight.

I don’t want to see people losing their jobs but can you really blame me for welcoming a promise of more reliable and regular sailings to Troon Harbour.

Mary Crawford

Brodick.

It would be a shame to see an end to the ferry link at Ardrossan. I try and get over as often as I can, as a photographer to explore, camp and get photos of the island, and also as a father I try and get over to walk the hills with my sons, one of which is in the JKA Scotland Squad and likes to climb Goatfell at least once a month to help part with his training.

With the ferry link gone to Troon that might not be as practical for myself and many other photographers and other parents in the area.

With so many reasons not to move the link, it seems pointless to do so. The train from Glasgow to Troon is approximately the exact same time as it is to Ardrossan Harbour but with the added haul of luggage for passengers from Troon train station to the ferry I know myself that camera and camping equipment combined can be heavy so any extra loading and unloading off trains or shuttle buses would be impractical.

An extra five miles onto the ferry route and extra time onto the ferries journey.

It seems more fitting that extra investment would be better suited at Ardrossan than the upheaval of a move elsewhere.

I’d be absolutely gutted to see the end of the Ardrossan/Arran ferry link.

Sylvan Buckley

Saltcoats

This attempt by ABP to poach the Arran ferry service is nothing short of despicable. Troon has no advantage over Ardrossan whatsoever, the ferry hasn’t already been operating from Troon in bad weather as stated by the ABP spokesman.

Troon has no car park, Ardrossan has around 400 spaces within 50-yards at a cost of £2 per day.

Troon has no train terminus. Can you imagine loading up to 1,000 passengers on to 20 courtesy buses? People with kids, prams, shopping, backpacks, the elderly and infirm in wheelchairs and the like.

Who would meet the cost of such an operation?

There are many young people who have jobs on the island. They would not be able to stay in those jobs.

The move would add at least one hour travel time to the current staff.

Not including increased danger during winter months.

I also think the islanders have to realise that they live on an island and disruption due to bad weather is par for the course.

The Three Towns and the surrounding area have always had a relationship with Arran and large portions of the population have family here.

Name and address supplied

The new piers etc getting built on Arran is nothing short of insanity if the ferry can’t get into Ardrossan with bad weather, Troon, of course, is an option but it would be a shame if after all these years if they ditch Ardrossan.

I think it would have a negative effect on Ardrossan when it is really trying to get a better image at the moment, but as usual, the public will only find out which decisions have been made after they are made.

Michael Fisher

Lamlash