A different way of doing things

One of the many things I love about being the SNP MSP for Argyll & Bute is the different way we have to do things from many other constituencies and our determination not to let that deter us from our tasks.

For example we cover such a vast area that although we  hold our monthly constituency meetings somewhere reasonably central  - Tarbert on Loch Fyne - almost everyone has to travel a fair distance and they do so not only willingly, but usually enjoy the company and the experience.    

Thus on most first Sunday's of the month the Portavadie / Tarbert ferry has a  good number of  extra passengers.   Today there were 15 of us coming from Cowal and Bute , and of course the Bute ones had four ferry journeys in total to make - two there and two back.  

The Islay contingent  always have the longest journey which includes almost two hours by Cal Mac. but it takes the Oban team almost an hour and a half and today a bit longer as the road was closed at Ardfern.  The Helensburgh fraternal visitors (they are not part of the CA but we work together on Council and Westminster elections) have a similar challenge. 

Campbeltown is 45 minutes away, and Mid Argyll about 25 but the nearest members are our hosts,  the Tarbert branch, who always  put on a good spread for all  who attend.  

Today there were around 50  present  , full of enthusiasm and with lots of plans for  a "listening" campaign in every corner of the counties.