Arran could soon have an unusual new tourist attraction.
Plans have been lodged with North Ayrshire Council for a butterfly farm at Ashlar Farm, Machrie.
The applicant for Arran Butterfly Farm Ltd is Angus Smith of Soval Lodge, Blackwaterfoot and the proposal includes plans for a new café, shop and change of use of agricultural buildings to form petting zoo and children’s play area with associated pond, car parking and footpaths.
Isobel Simpson and Adrian Cerrone, formerly of Edinburgh, raised the idea of a butterfly farm at the site of the old sand plant in Brodick in February 2006.
When this fell through, they extended their search for a suitable site to Machrie and in the meantime have been running the Ferry Fry fish and chip shop at Brodick pier.
Isobel told the Banner: ‘Adrian and I are in partnership with Angus Smith. The butterfly farm is going to finally take off. Scottish Natural Heritage has seen the site and thinks it would be a good place. We hope to encourage tourists over to that side of the island.’
The plans for Machrie include a butterfly house, children’s farmyard, 3,000 sq ft indoor play area, trampolines, battery-powered go-karts, swings and bouncy castles.
There will apparently be pony and donkey stables, life-size plastic milking cows and tractor and trailer farm rides to enjoy views of Machrie Bay.
The Butterfly Bistro at the farm is expected to serve light meals, drinks and Italian cuisine in the evenings.
Isobel explained: ‘Adrian and I are both trained chefs and will specialise in Italian dishes. We will still keep the chip shop going in Brodick.’
Community councillor Neil Arthur commented: ‘Some concerns about this proposal have already been raised with me by one resident. However, I find it hard to argue in principle against a potential tourist attraction. I shall be examining the plans in detail as soon as possible.’
