Seil Chat

I understand there is a rather enthusiastic debate over a proposed new ferry timetable for Easdale Island. Much of the argument against the proposal seems to be the impact it would have on the already "fragile island economy".

Having scratched my head and thought about this for some time I am at a loss to identify where the island economy is exactly.

There are no shops, schools, hotels, farms, industries etc. on the island. The pub, tearoom and museum were shut throughout winter and there appears to have been no negative impact on the resident community numbers. The few folk who work on the island seem to live elsewhere. There's nowhere for residents to spend their money to buy food or basic goods.

Have I missed something? Surely Easdale Island is a suburb of Seil, where shops, pubs, tourist businesses and schools provide goods and services to sustain our small communities throughout the area. I don't hear any talk of a "fragile economy" in Ellenabeich.

Not living on Easdale I am a little baffled by the fuss too. Is it the fear of change, such a fragile way of life, that a change in the ferry timings could cause a crisis? Not because your existence is so finely balanced that a change could tip you over the edge, but that the mere thought of change in such a simple way of life is just such a terrible thought you wouldn't dare get out of bed? Would a change benefit anyone? Would a change negatively affect anyone's life? If it was an infrequent service operated over longer distances I could understand the impact it might have on some, but is there nothing more important to worry about like worrying about which end of an egg to open?

Yep, I think that might sum up the folk on Easdale Island quite well. If they could argue about anything they would - especially which way to open an egg.

There's still the question of where the egg came from and how does it fit into the "fragile island economy"? As far as I know no-one sells eggs on the island and the nearest place to get some is Balvicar Store.

I can understand the argument about fragile economies on Colonsay and Mull for example, but still at a loss to find one on for Easdale Island.

.......it might sink into the sea?

Well, isn't writing embarrassing letters to the Oban Times not the main activity on Easdale Island and, surely, the new ferry timetables shouldn't upset that?

Writing letters to the OT does seem to be an island pastime - but even then, there's no Post Office to buy stamps (or get pensions/benefits).

Therefore letter writing can't be part of their "fragile economy".

Build 'em a bridge and give us all peace!!

Well, I must say that surely a bridge would help any economy, fragile or otherwise. It would certainly give the islanders better access to jobs and services.

However, rumour has it that despite wanting a ferry on demand and for longer hours, the islanders are too attached to their old means of public transport across the water and do not wish to venture forward into the 21st century, no matter how much it costs the council to ensure they get soaked every time they go over.

Ask the prospective SNP MP for Argyll......he is sure to have an answer to the Islands "Fragile economy".....methinks a slowdown in the property market in the west end of Glasgow would have a more marked effect on the Islands economy than a change in timetables!

I think those who seek isolation and solitude have to accept that the ways of the outside world will encroach on their way of life. Things will change including even the climate (environmental and political).

If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. There's only one answer. For those who can't stand change, move a little further out, where the natural advance of life lags behind. Move to Colonsay!