Dig deep for a huge undertaking

Residents of Arran and its visitors are being asked to dig deep to help improve Brodick beach.

And we hope the public will get behind this major fundraising drive.

Make no mistake: Brodick Improvements Committee (BIC) has taken on a huge effort to take ownership of the scheme which, at long last, could save the beach for generations to come.

Sensibly, it plans to take it one step at a time. That is why the initial fundraising drive is for £5,000 which will, at least, get the ball rolling – or, rather, some sand and rock bought. More sand has already started arriving from pier contractors George Leslie Ltd, but that is just a top up of the 5,500 tonnes it has already generously handed over. But every little helps.

There certainly seems to be better communication between all the parties involved and credit should be given to North Ayrshire Council, which has been working hand in glove with BIC during the recent works to shore up the mouth of the Cloy Burn. Marine Scotland has also been helpful.

And a big thank you has to go to Arran Coastal Way for its work in creating the new boardwalk over the badly eroded section of the Fisherman’s Walk, which is nearing completion. Also, we cannot fail to ignore the cash help from the Arran Trust, which has helped fund both projects. It is good to see everyone working together.

BIC has its traditional fundraising ceilidhs throughout the summer but it is good to see it crowdfunding with a JustGiving page which puts the fundraising out far beyond Arran to people who love the island.

The Save Brodick beach Facebook site has more than 3,000 ‘likes’. If each and every one of them gave £1, the money would soon mount up.

But in the meantime please dig deep for Brodick beach.