Council Leader Marie Burns and Chief Executive Craig Hatton recently continued their series of Locality Visits with a trip to Arran.
A number of colleagues and partner organisations welcomed Marie and Craig to the island on what was a lovely, sunny day.
Further Locality visits are being planned for the Three Towns and Kilwinning later in the year. The Arran visit included four stops at: Brodick Tennis Courts; new homes that have been built in Lamlash at Rowarden by Arran Development Trust (ADT) ; the Holy Isle and Arran Outdoor Education Centre.
The series of Locality Visits – organised by the Communications team – gives staff and those involved in partnership projects an opportunity to speak directly with Marie and Craig and discuss the project in detail, including any key learning and experiences.
Each visit also gives Marie and Craig time, in a relaxed setting, to meet people face-to-face and hear firsthand about their work and ambitions.
Here is a bit more about the Arran projects:
Brodick Tennis Courts
Through the UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), money is being invested in projects across the UK and a total of £150,000 is being spent on revamping the derelict courts near the library.
There has also been investment from KA Leisure and support from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, which is managed by the council within North Ayrshire. Community engagement showed overwhelming backing for bringing the courts back to life.
The courts are expected to open very soon and – when they are up and running- there will be some free court time for players and also school activities. Arran resident Maggie Carson has been supporting the project along with Active Schools Coordinator Ross Dobson.
The ADT housing at Lamlash
This has been supported by the Scottish Government’s Rural Islands Housing Fund (RIHF), private finance arrangements and the Council’s Affordable Housing account. Work started in summer 2023 to build 18 affordable homes and tenants recently started moving in. The new tenants all work on the island and were excited to receive the keys to their new homes.
The Holy Isle
This serene little island off Lamlash Bay is run entirely by volunteers. It has an ancient spiritual heritage stretching back to the 6th century and is divided into several areas, some of which are reserved for birds and animals, others for a native tree-planting programme.
The north side is home to the Centre for World Peace and Health, and this hosts a retreat throughout summer. The project is directed and run by Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master. The island is open for all, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike – and Ani Palden kindly showed Marie and Craig round the peaceful grounds and explained about the work of the retreat.
Arran Outdoor Education Centre, Lamlash
The purpose-built facility, which is run and funded by the Council, offers schools and organisations a chance to enjoy residential, outdoor education experiences. Activities include kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, gorge walking, conservation and climbing.
The centre’s Team Leader Martin Wood welcomed Marie and Craig for a tour of the facilities and accommodation. On the day, around 40 Arran children from the island’s primary schools were enjoying a stay – and some of the young people kindly played the bagpipes to mark Marie and Craig’s arrival.
Craig said: “It was fantastic to meet everyone at the four stops on Arran, and we were lucky to enjoy some lovely, sunny weather while we were there.
“There is some really great, positive work being done on the island by our communities and staff alike. As we know, the island can be a magical place and one of which we are very proud.
“It was great to see that the tennis courts project is almost complete and that tenants have moved into their new homes at Rowarden. The Holy Isle is so peaceful that it almost feels like another world, and I am grateful to Ani for taking the time to show us round and provide an insight into their work.
“The mood was certainly very different on our final stop at the Outdoor Education Centre, where we were greeted by children playing bagpipes, scaling a climbing wall, pitching tents and generally having a great time!
“These visits are important to Marie and I because they allow us to meet people face to face at a whole range of projects and facilities, find out how things are going and connect with partner organisations. Thanks again to everyone involved.”
