Arran is a wonderful island and it has something major going for it as it aims to overcome the challenges of recent times, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell.

Visiting Arran last week, what was striking was the degree of cooperation between businesses on this wonderful island.

Of course, such collaboration and cross-promotion is not a new thing on the island but the visibility of it was eye-catching.

Arran has not had its challenges to seek in recent years.

Its tourism sector was hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. Tourism everywhere was affected, of course, but it is important to bear in mind that the economies of islands such as Arran are fragile.

Arran has also been hit hard by problems with ferry services.

It is great to see the long-delayed MV Glen Sannox in service, especially with disruption to ferries in recent winters having apparently dented people’s confidence in travelling to Arran for stays in hotels and other accommodation at such times.

However, Arran continues to await the very belated arrival in service of the MV Glen Rosa - now expected to be delivered in the second quarter of next year - on the Brodick route.

Last week, bow thruster........

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