Arran groups welcome Council Leader and Chief Executive
North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns and Chief Executive Craig Hatton recently spent time on Arran visiting a variety of projects.
The visit was part of a series of Locality Visits that Councillor Burns and Mr Hatton have been involved in over the past three years.
The aim of these visits is for them to meet council staff, and also people working in partnership with the council, at a variety of community programmes and projects.
Projects visited were:
- Brodick Tennis Courts – Through the UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), money is being invested in projects across the UK and a total of £150,000 is being spent on revamping the derelict courts near the library. There has also been investment from KA Leisure and support from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, which is managed by the Council.KA Leisure is leading the project with community support, and community engagement showed overwhelming backing for bringing the courts back to life. The courts are expected to open very soon and – when they are up and running- there will be some free court time for players and also school activities. Arran resident Maggie Carson has been supporting the project along with Active Schools Coordinator Ross Dobson.
- The ADT housing at Lamlash – This has been supported by the Scottish Government’s Rural Islands Housing Fund (RIHF) and private finance arrangements. Work started in summer 2023 to build 18 affordable homes and tenants recently moved in. Tenants include Shiona and Tom McGarrigle, their two children and their dog. Shiona is from Arran and the couple run businesses on the island.
- The Holy Isle – This serene little island off Lamlash Bay is run entirely by volunteers. It has an ancient spiritual heritage stretching back to the 6th century and is divided into several areas, some of which are reserved for birds and animals, others for a native tree-planting programme. The north side is home to the Centre for World Peace and Health, and this hosts a retreat throughout summer. The project is directed and run by Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master. The island is open for all, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike – and Ani Palden kindly showed Marie and Craig round the peaceful grounds and
- Arran Outdoor Education Centre, Lamlash – The purpose-built facility, which is run and funded by the Council, offers schools and organisations a chance to enjoy residential, outdoor education experiences. Activities include kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, gorge walking, conservation and climbing. The centre’s Team Leader Martin Wood welcomed Marie and Craig for a tour of the facilities and accommodation. On the day, around 40 Arran children from the island’s primary schools were enjoying a stay – and some of the young people kindly played the bagpipes to mark Marie and Craig’s arrival.
Quote: It was good to see that the tennis courts project is almost complete as this facility will open up a number of opportunities for residents and visitors to socialise, play and keep fit. Addressing the need for affordable housing on our islands is vital, and it was encouraging to see that tenants have very recently moved into their new homes at Rowarden. The Holy Isle must be one of the most peaceful places in Scotland, and I appreciate Ani Palden taking time to show us round and explain the work that is being done there. The volume levels certainly increased when we reached the Outdoor Education Centre later in the day! It was a real change of pace, with young people from the island’s schools enjoying a residential break with some fantastic activities including climbing and kayaking. They also welcomed us with a skirl of the bagpipes, which was a lovely touch. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the visit for extending a very warm welcome.
Quote from: Councillor Marie Burns, Leader of North Ayrshire Council
Published: 05 June 2025