Several constituents have gotten in touch to express their deep concern about what removing these tickets will mean for their finances. Residents travel back and forth between Cumbrae and mainland for work, school, hospital appointments and other commitments. It’s difficult to see how persisting with this new system in the face of all evidence will support the network or stem depopulation on the island.

Along with local campaigners, I’ve repeatedly raised this issue with the Scottish Government over the past year, and wrote to the Minister for Transport prior to her departure. The new Minister for Transport must immediately act identify the small amount of funding needed to retain this system.