Castle set to reopen earlier than planned
Brodick Castle will open its doors to visitors tomorrow (Saturday) after a decision not to open it until 2021 was reversed.
It follows the news that all 16 jobs that were under threat at the castle and country park have been saved, as reported in last week’s Banner.
Most of the jobs saved are in the castle among guides, educational workers and the collections team, however, a number of seasonal posts which would have been created have been lost this year.
They also included that of Corinna Goeckeritz of the Arran Ranger Service, who this week thanked the people of Arran for signing petitions and lobbying for her vital conservation job to be saved.
She said: ‘A massive thank you is due to the amazing Arran community for lobbying for these jobs to be saved. It has been a difficult time, but thanks for all your support.’
In another development Jarred Bowers has left his post as operations manager at the castle and has returned to the United States.
Tim Keyworth has taken on a dual role and is at present both acting operations manager and gardens manager.
A statement from the castle said: ‘The team is working hard at the moment to make this possible and we very much look forward to welcoming you back.
‘The castle will be open – with a few changes – five days a week Saturday-Wednesday, 11am to 4pm. We are also excited to announce that the gardens, estate and Isle be Wild play park will be open seven days a week from September, 10am to 5pm.
We are aiming to open the Red Squirrel tuck shop the same days as the castle, from tomorrow (Saturday) for basic refreshments.
‘Please be aware though that the visitor offering may need to change at short notice, these are challenging times and we will be re-opening with a much-reduced team for the season.’