Going the extra mile

Calton has discovered that if he goes a few miles out of his way while on holiday and buys his petrol in Broadford on Skye instead of the mainland he will save 5p per litre due to some scheme whereby islanders get subsidised petrol. This seems to apply even although Skye is now connected to the mainland by a bridge and has been for some years. No doubt the intention behind this was laudable and Calton would be the first to acknowledge the difficulties faced by islanders in general, however life is not exactly easy for those on the mainland in this part of Scotland, particularly with the ongoing discussions on how to safeguard the Plockton to Lochcarron road for the future, all of which are either costly or would involve further road closures if the council go for the cheaper option of just repairing the road when necessary. (And remember that the road was closed for a considerable length of time last winter due to a landslide.) Is dualling the A9 or improving Berridale Braes really more important than keeping a vital lifeline route open at all times? And why should petrol be more expensive at Shiel Bridge than Broadford?