An innovative plan
The 12 Apostles of Brodick has an unfamiliar ring about it. But we can only admire the thinking outside the box by the Danish architects who have come up with such an innovative plan for a 21st-century development. And The Douglas Hotel should be commended for embracing it and the other eco-led features of their woodland accommodation plan.
To see the area of woodland right across from the ferry terminal brought back into a useful existence from the overgrown and unloved state it is in just now would be an improvement indeed.
The Douglas and their advisers have been as open and honest about the development as they can be from day one. After five months of hard work behind the scenes much work has already been done to preserve some of the trees on the site.
The public consultation day held this week was completely voluntary and they could have waited until a planning application was submitted to North Ayrshire Council before people had the chance to have their say.
But, just like their openness with the new distillery, Peter Brett Associates said come and see the plans and give us your views directly. Being Arran, people did just that.
Yes, there has to be safeguards and assurances that as few mature trees as possible are lost to the development, that there is adequate parking, that lighting issues are addressed, but this can all be done during the planning process. As was stated during the presentation on the night, a traffic management plan will have to be agreed before a tool is lifted to start work on the development.
Concern has also been expressed about what will happen to the existing Victorian wall on which the new Stone Wall Hotel is to be built. This and the arched bridge over the Strathwhillan Burn must be preserved as close to the original design as possible.
It is an exciting development and good to see The Douglas owners putting their faith, and their money, into the continued development of first-class tourist facilities on the island.
May the Apostle lights burn bright in Brodick.