By Colin Smeeton
North Ayrshire Council’s flooding team has nearly completed embankment protection work at Glencloy Water and also undertaken erosion prevention measures to save the putting green in Brodick.
The work on the burn behind Arran Library was originally scheduled to take place over two weeks, however, nature wreaked its worst during this period with snow and frozen conditions affecting the first week and torrential rain and stormy seas playing their part during the second week.
Workmen have been using heavy machinery to lay rock armour on the embankment at Glencloy Water where the burn bends and erosion is most severe. The rock armour will now extend to existing rock armour meaning the entire sea side embankment will be protected from erosion.
While working with the rock armour and heavy machinery, the putting green near the small Co-op sustained severe storm damage from the rough seas, so the council decided to use the machinery and equipment while it was available in close proximity.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Following reports of erosion to the embankment of the Glencloy Burn, to the rear of the tennis courts, the council’s flooding team commissioned a project to protect the embankment from further deterioration.
“This involved 22m of rock armour – large boulders that create a barrier against erosion – being put in place, extending from the existing rock armour embankment.
“Erosion at the putting green was brought to our attention at the same time and, because it only required a small repair, we agreed to do this work alongside the rock armour project.
“Rock armour will also be positioned in front of the fence to provide further protection.”
The putting green, which borders the coast, has been slightly reduced with the metal fence reinstated further inwards. A new coastal defence system with the rock armour will stave off further erosion.
Despite the challenges caused by the weather, progress is continuing and it is likely both jobs will be completed imminently.
The fence at the Brodick putting green has been moved as coastal erosion continues to take its toll. 01_B50brodickwork01_23_putting_green
Work to bolster the embankment at Glencloy Water with rock armour nears completion. 01_B50brodickwork02_23_Glencloy_Water
A close up of the embankment protection work which will prevent further erosion on the bend at Glencloy Water. 01_B50brodickwork03_23_Glencloy_Water_close