Oban Times letters: March 12

Dear editor,

Anyone entertaining what are believed to be the perceived benefits of a fixed link, whether between Mull and the Mainland or across the Corran Narrows should contemplate, also, the impacts of providing an access that is uncomplicated by a ferry crossing.

A fixed link would increase tourism and traffic, as it has on Skye, where estimates place current visitor numbers at nearly three-quarters of a million per year. Some residents would welcome such an increase, others would rue the loss of quietude.

Mass tourism would bring other challenges. The popularity of North Coast 500 has highlighted the need for prior investment in parking and serviced waste management facilities for motor homes and the provision of public toilets. Single-track roads would need upgrading. And properties would now attract greater interest in them as holiday homes or holiday lets, as is, now, one in every five on Skye.

Yours faithfully

Ian Reid.
Oban

Sir,
Let us not forget the results in the 2024 General Election when the seats held by the SNP at Westminster were reduced to a mere 9, a loss of 39 seats. One can only assume that little much has changed as regards the Electorate’s views on the effectiveness of the SNP since that outstanding defeat.
One might well question why the Electorate should change its stance to enable the SNP to recover its position in the
Holyrood elections on 12 May of this year?
Just what has changed since their demise at Westminster – precious little I would suggest. Indeed we, the electorate, are still faced with the same old policies which have resulted in a very much diminished economy, higher taxes at both Income
Tax and Rates levels, and a general misuse of the Powers devolved from Westminster to Holyrood.
In reality nothing has changed for the better; just the same old tedious policies, and some new faces at the top. But let’s face it the so-called Scottish Government is just a totally uninspiring administration; and it is highly unlikely to improve
with the passage of time!
Yours,

Robert I G Scott

Address supplied