Castle’s new manager holds open day for islanders
Stuart MacKinnon, the new operations manager at Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park, made a positive first impression by welcoming islanders to a free open day last Tuesday, writes Colin Smeeton.
Islanders and visitors were invited to receive special tours of the castle and gardens and a chance to find out more about on-going conservation projects from the ranger and collections care teams.
No stranger to island living, Stuart is originally from the Isle of Barra. His most recent role was with Marks and Spencer where he led a team opening the new M&S store in Oban.
Stuart said he was thrilled with his move to Arran and his new job at Brodick Castle.
‘I’m delighted to have joined a wonderful organisation that contributes so much to our heritage, landscape and understanding,’ he said. ‘To be involved in protecting our heritage for future generations fills me with immense pride and I can only hope to add to the amazing site and team that we have here on the wonderful Isle of Arran.’
The highlight of the open day, undoubtedly for many of the children that attended, was the family-orientated wacky races which usually take place over Easter and was sorely missed this year.
With the sun shining and the recent relaxations of Covid restrictions, it was an ideal chance for families to come together, relax, enjoy all that was on offer and to take part in the fun races.
Brodick rangers Kate Sampson and Corinna Goeckeritz, who were among those running the wacky races, expressed their delight at the castle grounds once again reverberating with the sound of ‘buzzy’ dragonflies, children’s laughter and the ‘ready, steady, go’ from the rangers on the loud hailer by saying: ‘At last things are starting to get back to normal.’