Brethwic to Braidwick and finally in the Exchequer Rolls of 1456-7 it appears as Brodick from the Norse “breda-vick” meaning broad bay. It is into this same broad bay that the ferries sail today and apart from the buildings the view will have changed very little from that seen by the Vikings.
Brodick today is on the south side of the bay, but the original village was at Mossend, on the north side, near Cladach. Upwards of twenty families lived in a row of cottages known as The Street, which lined the road opposite Duchess Court (originally the Home Farm). These cottages were demolished between 1856-58 and the people moved to Douglas Row or New Street (now called Douglas Place) and Alma Terrace.
Amenities Include; Brodick Golf Course, Sandy Beaches, Spectacular Views of Goatfell and surrounding hillside, Seafront shops for supplies and souvenirs, Brodick Castle, Connecting ferry to Ardrossan.
The modern village of Brodick has grown and expanded over the years. Arran’s first pier was built here in 1872. The Golf Club celebrated its Centenary in 1997.
Brodick Hall was opened in 1895 with money raised by the Brodick Public Hall Company Limited. Generations of visitors and locals cherish fond memories of that old hall which is still the venue for concerts and dances and community activities, with the added bonus of the new library.
Seafront shops and cafes line the promenade. Meanwhile across the bay the castle still stands and the magnificent view remains the same.
Brodick is the main ferry terminal for the island and the view of the mountains as seen from the ferry as she sails into the bay is second to none.
Some find Brodick busy, but after the last ferry has left a peace settles on the village and nothing can surpass the calm of a summer evening in Brodick with the sea, the beach and the mountains.
Brodick Golf Course and Club with its own Professional golfer are very popular. The Arran Golf pass to play all 7 of Arran’s courses is a good buy.
Check out www.visitarran.com for lots more information.
