For those who need reminding, Glasgow Airport Rail Link was recommended simply because it was the best way to transport passengers to and from Glasgow Airport quickly and efficiently without having to use taxis or private cars which clog up the M8 and other approach roads to the airport.

It can cost a huge amount for a taxi from the airport to Glasgow city centre and there are always long traffic queues on approaching the city centre which can only get worse.

For many years I worked three days a week in London, flying into Heathrow, catching the underground and being in the centre of London within 45 minutes of leaving Heathrow.

There are many pressures on capital expenditure budgets and there always will be, however the skill is to look ahead and consider options including doing nothing.

In the case of Garl doing nothing will put pressure on the M8, increase car journey times and generally show Greater Glasgow in a poor light as regards rapid transporting of people.

In addition to Garl, Crossrail would have allowed Glasgow Airport passengers non-stop travel to the rest of Scotland.

Let’s hope that after the next Scottish Parliamentary elections, other parties will unite to resurrect Garl.

Douglas Blaney, Glasgow

Floating bus idea could be vital link

I would like to thank the Evening Times for its really interesting article on the floating bus.

However, I would like to ask Alistair Watson, Councillor Derek Mackay and Brian Souter if it could be extended closer to the Glasgow Airport.

With the cancellation of the Rail Link and all the ensuing political backbiting, surely it could be used somehow to ease congestion on the M8.

I think a floating bus could help passengers – another was, of course, would be to extend the Subway.

Rae Brady, Via e-mail

Union has backed cost-cutting party

Although I agree with the position that essential public services should be protected from savage budget cuts, it is a bit hypocritical of the trade union Unison to attack anyone for this happening.

Between 2001 to 2009, this trade union has paid over £16million into the Labour party’s coffers.

The same Labour party which stood idly by as UK bankers brought the country into recession and now does nothing as those self same bankers award themselves millions of pounds in bonuses.

The Scottish Government and all councils in Scotland are having to cut their budgets as a reaction to the budget cuts imposed by the Labour UK Government.

Surely if Unison wants to do something constructive it should withhold its members’ contributions to the Labour party until Gordon Brown reverses his cuts!

Will Mylet, Paisley

Care home staff don’t deserve pay cut

Bonnyton House has provided respite care for my disabled husband, whom I have cared for myself for the last 44 years after an industrial accident (Cost saving idea was pay cut for staff, February 5).

Bonnyton, in Busby, is the only facility in East Renfrewshire to provide respite to give me a break.

I only hope it is not on the road to closure as this might lead to me seeking residential care for my husband.

I now also have health issues and need the help of Bonnyton House to ease the strain of looking after my ill husband.

The staff are wonderful and earn their pay.

Give them a break.

EKM, Via e-mail