The new Apostles
Tree concerns aired over new woodland hotel development
A new woodland hotel development would see the 12 Apostles of Catacol replicated in modern form in Brodick.
It is part an ambitious plan by the Douglas Hotel to create new eco-accommodation around the Strathwhillan Burn. Already five months of pre-planning work has gone into the plans, which were unveiled for the first time this week.
Larger blocks
As well as the 12 twostorey hotel rooms, with angled views over Brodick Bay and Goatfell beyond, the development would feature 49 smaller rooms in a further seven larger blocks and a new river walk, which would be an improved start for the Arran Coastal Way.
The development, known as the Douglas and the Stone Wall Hotel, is the brainchild of Danish architects Norron, who hotel owner Sean Henry was first introduced to at the Cold Water Conference held on Arran earlier this year.
They specialise in what they call destination development and have used part of the history of the island in their decision to try to replicate the 12 Apostles in a modern form along the existing Victorian stone wall.
These would be built along the Lamlash road and would be among the first sights for visitors arriving on the island. A new ‘Welcome to Arran’ sign would be incorporated into the existing wall.
The original 12 Apostles were built in Catacol around 1850 and each of the fishermen’s cottages has a different upper window so that when the men were at sea, their wives would light a candle in the window and each man would know which house was signalling.
Partner Marco Berenthz of Norron told the Banner that by having the sitting area of the two-room apartment upstairs, they hoped to replicate that image when all the lights were on.
This would be phase one of the development and, following the voluntary consultation process, it is proposed to make a formal application next month, with a view to starting work next March. The first phase and the new walkway could be completed by March 2018.
Platform
The walkway will feature three new bridges, including one with a platform over the burn, which could be used for weddings, and which would face one of the presently hidden waterfalls of the burn.
In keeping with the theme of tradition, the bridges will all be named after Gaelic goddesses said to live in the rivers of Scotland. The final names have still to be decided.
Phase two, on the site of the former nursery, would see seven blocks of 49 smaller apartments, all which will have small elements of self-catering. The buildings will be raised on stilts and all the rooms will have views, including some which will overlook the revamped burn. All the build-
ings have been positioned so as to cause the minimum of disruption to the mature trees on the site.
However, a presentation held during a drop-in information day at the Douglas Hotel on Monday heard that a total of 18 of the 113 oak, beech and sycamore trees onsite would have to be removed, but they are all category B and C. A total of 45 trees would be replanted, half of which would be of native species.
Talks have been held with North Ayrshire Council over the trees issue and a decision has already been reached to reduce the number which had originally been in the plan to fell.
Concern was also raised about parking for the new rooms and lighting.
Managed
The project is being managed by Glasgow-based Peter Brett Associates and Kilmarnock-based Quantum Solutions. It is the second project for them on the island as they are also involved in planning the new distillery at Lagg.
Douglas owner Sean Henry said he thought the dropin day had gone well and was pleased with the feedback they had received. He said: ‘We have had various plans for the site over the years but are really excited by this development which we believe will not only help business at the Douglas but at other hotels, restaurants and shops around the island and boost the economy as a whole. The idea that Brodick will have a 12 Apostles for the 21st century is a stroke of genius.’
However, not everyone is happy with the plans. One resident told the Banner. ‘I have real concerns we are going to lose the Victorian wall which the Arran Civic Trust has been doing so much to preserve as well as at least 14 mature trees.’
Architects say where the wall is renewed they will use as much original stone as possible.