Gateway Project - Access and Interpretation

By Webmaster

August 28, 2011

HOLY ISLE GATEWAY PROJECT - IMPROVING ACCESS AND INTERPRETATION

Since the early nineties, when Holy Isle was bought by Rokpa Trust,  we have been visited annually by up to seven thousand people from all over the world, for many a visit to the isle is magical experience.

Unfortunately, our jetty is beginning to show signs of wear and tear and has always been a difficult place to land in bad weather. This limits access and sometimes leads to disrupted journeys on and off  the Isle. Things can be especially difficult for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users. The main coastal path also poses access difficulties, with uneven areas and a steep climb up to St Moliase's cave hindering less mobile people.

On the 29th April a group from North Ayrshire Council, accompanied by Brain Donahoe MP for Central Ayrshire visited Holy Isle. They toured the Island and the Centre for World Peace and Health and saw the present condition of the jetty and the paths.

Alongside is a photo of the visiting party: kneeling are Elspeth and Russel of Ocean Breeze Rib tours; in the centre of the middle row is Lama Yeshe Rinpoche (Director of Holy Isle Project); to his right Brion Donahoe SMP and to his left Christine Donahoe. In the back row from left to right are: Yeshe Palmo (Holy Isle Access Project Manager), Kathleen Don North (Ayrshire Council Economic development officer), David O'Neil (Councillor of North Ayrshire Council), and Elma Murray (Chief Executive of Ayrshire Council).

The group met with Lama Yeshe to discuss the Access project, and look at other possible joint projects between the council and Holy Isle. 

THE JETTY At the heart of the Gateway project is a new ‘all season’ jetty to enable boats to come and go in almost all weather conditions. Wallace Stone Marine Engineers have completed the FEASIBILITY STUDY. Funding for the feasibility study was secured with assistance from Argyll and the Island’s Leader, who provided £2000, North Ayrshire Council gave £1400, and Rokpa Trust have contributed £1000.
As soon as the new design is finalised, we'll post a picture. The completion of the new jetty is hoped for the summer season 2012.

THE PATH Holy Isle's coastal path is a core path in North Ayrshire Council's Core Path Plan. The Council have helped with training and materials and a team of workers have been improving the path from St Molaise's cave to Pillar Rock lighthouse, building culverts and drainage ditches. In the autumn, work will start to improve access along the path to St Molaise's cave.

We need lots of help  Fundraising for the £300,000 required to complete the jetty project and we are keen to Recruit volunteers to help with the path work.

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ErickaScott22 - Feb 24, 2012 11:15 PM

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