Bright times for Brodick

What a week it has been for Brodick. Not only do villagers, at last, have sand on the beach, but a significant step forward has been taken at the new ferry terminal.

A lot of people have been surprised - and delighted to see such speedy progress at the new £22.2 million pier. And now that people can see the dimensions of the terminal building it may allay some fears as to its suitability.

Contractors George Leslie Ltd have faced a number of challenges, including easterly winds last week, but have coped with them all. The fact the switch to the new marshalling yard went simply and smoothly should be recognised as a lesson in joined up thinking between port owners CMAL, CalMac and the contractors. The fact the contractor is talking about having the first phase of the redevelopment finished in mid-July - albeit only the bus stance - shows how much progress is being made and with piling work going on every day it is not just on the surface that progress is being made.

To think that in a year’s time we will be looking for the new terminal to be operational in a matter of weeks is a remarkable turnaround.

It is a development which will have an impact on everyone on the island - locals and visitors - and combined with the arrival of a new ferry in 2018, represents an exciting time for the island.

Talking of exciting times - what a splendid sight it is to see Brodick beach looking so handsome after looking tired and unloved for so long. Well done again to Brodick Improvements Committee. But their work has only just begun. To have the drive and determination to aim to raise £1 million to build rock groynes to keep the sand - and not lose it back to the sea - is to be commended.

We hope our newly-elected MSPs take note and take the funding fight to Holyrood. Could European money be an option? We will have to wait till next month to find out.