Travel woes

when attempting to do the right thing by arranging a leisure trip using public transport, my wife and I fell victim to three of the evils affecting travel by public transport. Having booked a train thanks to the generous “Club 55” offer from ScotRail, to Oban, we left last Wednesday for an early bus to Glasgow.

It did not arrive and, getting the later bus, we had a mad dash from the bus stop to Glasgow Queen Street. The train proved relaxing until four boisterous drinkers came on at Dumbarton.

They were amusing, for a while, but as the drink took hold the language deteriorated and Scotland’s favourite bogey person, Margaret Thatcher, took some stick. It was a pity as there were young children in the coach, but bearable if you had an iPod.

Oban always delights and we were lucky to have decent weather. Unfortunately, the return was marred by a cancelled train and an uncomfortable bus journey to Glasgow. At least the bus home was on. I think we were just unlucky, but I can understand why many people will pay any price to keep their cars.

D ROBIN

Rannoch Road

Kilmacolm, Renfreshire