Protecting lifeline services to the islands and remoter Scottish mainland is a main function of government.

Travelling on the last "ever" ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown I was gratified to see the loading both passengers and cars on the outbound and inbound legs.

With taxpayer funding the state-of-the-art loading ramp at the Kintyre port, good terminal facilities are in place. They must not be allowed to rust away. CalMac must convert this three-year trial period to a permanent summer service.

Colin C Maclean,

61 Hillpark Avenue, Edinburgh.