Families go wild for new Brodick play experience

A fantastic new play experience for younger visitors to Brodick Castle and Country Park opened last weekend.

Isle be Wild takes its inspiration from Arran’s rich natural heritage to create a unique play area for children of all ages.

With its rugged appearance, it fits into the estate’s woodland area and encourages outdoor adventure.

Ahead of the public opening around 300 guests enjoyed a special invitation event last Wednesday and, to the delight of many youngsters, there was a special appearance by characters from the hit children’s show Paw Patrol.

And one youngster got to meet his favourite, Zuma, when he presented Logan Barr with his prize for winning the opening competition.

Tickles the Clown also did a roaring trade with her balloon modelling, and the face painting stall also went down a treat.

There were drinks, snacks and nibbles, for the adults and children, served from the new Red Squirrel cafe, and cocktails too.

But the main star of the show was the impressive new towering wooden playpark, which also includes a

toddler area, zip-slides for all ages, and the revamped chutes.

Stuart Maxwell, general manager for the National Trust for Scotland in Ayrshire and Arran said: ‘Brodick Castle and Country Park is one of Scotland’s treasures and the trust is investing to encourage more families to have unforgettable experiences, all set in Arran’s spectacular scenery.

Isle Be Wild is a great addition to the estate and we hope will encourage families from Arran and beyond to come back to Brodick and find out what we’ve got planned for the future.’

Isle be Wild is part of an investment of more than £2 million at the historic Arran estate which has been in the care of Scotland’s largest conservation charity since the late 1950s.

New garden features and improved signage and trails are also being installed throughout the estate.

Extensive works are under way in the castle at the moment, designed to improve the safety of the nationally-recognised collection of stunning artworks, furniture and textiles. The castle is closed while this takes place and is due to re-open in spring 2018.

01_A27wild02 Children join Paw Patrol in cheering the arrival of the new playpark.

01_A27wild11 Among the first to use the attraction were Californian visitors, now living in Edinburgh, dad Alex Janus, mum Lauren with children Evan and Graham, and dog Lenny at the revamped chutes.

01_A27wild09 Evie Southwick from Shiskine has her face painted.

01_A27wild05 One youngster having fun on the zip-slide.

01_A27wild01 Logan Barr receives his prize from Zuma (centre) who was with Paw Patrol pals Skye and Chase.

01_A27wild03 Jenny Hume of Brodick with her balloon doll created by Tickles the Clown.

01_A27wild10 The impressive new playpark.

01_A27wild06 Zoe McNally from Whiting Bay was one of the youngest at the pre-opening event.