I HAVE a rather obvious suggestion to help Transport Scotland, Peel Ports and the Scottish Government come to what would likely be welcomed by most if not all users as the right decision in resolving the concerns about the choice between Ardrossan and Troon as the mainland base for the Arran ferry sailings (“Ardrossan harbour group demands answers over ferry’s future", The Herald, October 30).

I don’t know how long these bodies have to reach their decision, or how many of their decision-making members actually use the Arran ferry on a regular basis, but why not for a set period poll all the passengers sailing on that crossing to ask them which they prefer between Ardrossan and Troon, and why, and then take the majority choice as an instruction to implement that choice?

After all, haven’t they suffered enough already? Passengers want a reliable and easily accessible ferry service which is vital to the wellbeing of the Arran community as well as to encouraging tourists to visit the island. As the service is provided for the benefit of those who use it, why shouldn’t their majority view prevail?

Alan Fitzpatrick, Dunlop.

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A9 traffic rise would mean success

MARK Smith invited readers to contact him with their thoughts on his opinion piece regarding dualling the A9 trunk road and he has written a follow-up piece ("I asked readers to email me on the dualling of the A9. It wasn’t pretty", The Herald, October 26). It appears all readers responding (except the one or two who agreed with him) have misunderstood his arguments and have failed to present any information that might change his perspective. After careful consideration of the responses received, he has modestly concluded he was right all along.

There is little point in debating the basis of his argument further because his final point is that, even if the road is upgraded, it will simply generate increased traffic which will ultimately again result in delays.

This is a very weak point. Rather than demonstrating the futility of the project, such an outcome would be an indication of its success. An increase in traffic represents growth in economic activity which is surely a good thing in terms of employment and wealth creation.

An argument could be made that roads are environmentally damaging and it would be better to invest in the Highland Main Line to improve rail services. Such investment is badly needed. It currently takes around the same time to travel the 118 miles between Inverness and Perth by train as it does to travel the 233 miles between London Kings Cross and Darlington on the East Coast main line.

But that is not Mr Smith’s argument. Rather he seems to be arguing against any investment in improving connectivity between Inverness and central Scotland. Would he care to write a third article explicitly setting out that proposition? I think he will find it hard to sustain.

George Rennie, Inverness.

Dumb signage

I WELL remember being held up in various traffic jams while Traffic Scotland commissioned intelligent overhead signage and information boards that would improve traffic flows on the M9, M8, M90 and more.

As a resident of the East Neuk of Fife, without a train service, with the need to travel weekly to and from Midlothian I have noticed several times recently just how unintelligent these signs are.

Approaching the Queensferry Crossing we were told that there was congestion on the Edinburgh City Bypass after Junction 1 Hermiston Gait. Not an unusual occurrence, but the alternative route to my destination is fairly long and torturous. I noticed that my intelligent satnav suggested that there was actually no congestion and I took the chance. Of course there was no congestion.

This has happened three times in the last month. I'm guessing, but it seems that after early morning congestion, someone somewhere forgets to switch the sign off. With cameras everywhere it is surely not beyond the wit of man to update rapidly and accurately the signage.

Today on my return journey mid-morning on the M90 we were advised to reduce speed to 40mph as there was congestion ahead. And yes you guessed correctly, there was no congestion.

Intelligent this signage is not. Just what is the point if the information is inaccurate and out of date? Is this money well spent? I think not. If our satnav can work it out, why can't Traffic Scotland?

Ian McNair, Cellardyke.

Timely vote

JOHN Macnab (Letters, October 29) objects to the suggestion of retaining GMT all year round, citing the loss of an extra hour of evening light during the summer months. As the hours of daylight are unaffected by the clock change, can I suggest a simple solution would be to get up an hour earlier?

Personally, I simply object to changing the clocks at all, particularly at this time of year and would rather stick with either GMT or DST. Perhaps there could be a poll to gauge wider opinion on the three options.

David Bruce, Troon.

Let's not stand for ceremony

NOW that Glasgow has been confirmed as the host city to hold the Commonwealth Games in 2026, and concern has been raised by Dennis Canavan and others regarding the exclusion of the marathon (Letters, October 29 & 30), perhaps it is time to consider the necessity for elaborate opening and closing ceremonies.

These have nothing to do with the abilities of the athletes taking part, but seem to be an expense which could be better used to include a range of sports which have been dropped by the organisers.

Gordon W Smith, Paisley.

Billy ConnollyBilly Connolly (Image: Colin Mearns)

Let's have a Big Yin street

HAVING visited and worked over the years in Kilbarchan, Paisley and Glasgow and loving Scotland (except for the midges), I write to ask for a street to be named in honour of Billy Connolly, while he is still alive.

Billy is a proud Glaswegian, speaks with love and pride about Scotland and is surely deserving of commemoration.

He has Parkinson’s, as no doubt you will be aware; Parkinson’s does not wait.

It's time to say thank you.

Lorraine Savy, London.