BUS/FERRY ? - BOTH PLEASE!

[april fool]

Sadly, just a week into our new ferry service there has already been a slightly heated exchange of views comparing the bus and ferry services to Kintyre. Surely given our 'almost an island' situation we should be very glad of BOTH ? As with every case where there are options, is boils down to personal preference or suitability to a particular scenario.

Our bus service is invaluable to the area. Since the timetable was extended two years ago it has opened up the possibility of using the bus to many people for whom it wouldn't normally have been suitable. Even as a driver, I have used it on numerous occasions. When heading to either Glasgow or Prestwick Airport the bus links to both are regular and simple to use. My daughter has been at college at Dumfries for the past year and we initially though weekends home would be few and far between. Not so. It transpired that the bus service from Dumfries could get her into Glasgow in time for the 12 noon bus to Campbeltown on Friday and similarly the 3pm bus back arrived in time to catch the last bus to Dumfries on a Sunday evening. I think given our location we have a very good service.

The ferry on the other hand will open up possibilities for many others, especially those seeking to travel to Campbeltown for a weekend. While it doesn't provide the same flexibility for Campbeltonians doing the opposite it can still give us new options and we should welcome the fact that we have at long last been given a chance to try it out. I used it on Friday morning when I was heading to flit my daughter back from Dumfries. It was a lovely smooth crossing, pleasant friendly crew, comfortable coffee lounge and dining area and tasty breakfast! I arrived in Ardrossan relaxed and ready to drive at 10.15am on the dot! 1 hour 45 mins only driving and I was at the college in Dumfries. For me that was a worthwhile £58 car and £9.50 single.

I met two gentlemen on the ferry who were simply out for the day...... boat trip to Ardrossan; train to Glasgow; bus back home! Worth a try whatever your situation.

[Elvanim]

Couldn't agree more. I am a regular user of the bus to Glasgow and find it very convenient. It is much more relaxing than driving to Glasgow and the views are fantastic. However, today I used the ferry. Having collected my daughter and granddaughter, who had just been travelling for 24 hours from South America, the ferry was a better option for us this time, since it allowed us to have a meal, walk around and enjoy the scenery. Definitely a place for both means of transport.