Erosion worries

The long-term forecasts for the erosion of the Arran coastline are worrying indeed.

We say ‘long-term’ but, given that erosion normally takes thousands, if not millions, of years to make a drastic impact, 30 years seems a very short period of time indeed.

But in that time both Brodick and Lamlash could have lost their front greens and the main road at Machrie may be washed away. This is a serious university commissioned government study which cannot be dismissed as mere scaremongering.

Yes, research is now starting into just what can be done both locally by the Ayrshire councils and nationally by the government’s Dynamic Coast project, but everyone knows how hard it is to turn back the tide.

And while it may be a bit of being too little, too late, it is at least good to see the government report directly blaming the removal of sand from Brodick beach in the 1970s and 1980s for the present problems.

Arran residents can go online or attend a meeting on the island later this month to see the full extent of just what erosion will mean to Arran in the coming years.

We hope its not too late to act.