A BRODICK landmark has shut up shop for the last time.

Family-owned Bilsland’s – the island’s largest independent shop – has closed following husband and wife owners Alastair and Alison Bilsland’s decision to retire after 44 years in business.

Situated just metres from the ferry terminal, Bilsland’s was for years one of the island’s most visited attractions – the popular mini-golf course kept kids amused while parents shopped for outdoor clothing and souvenirs.

The Bilslands bought the site in 1970 when the business was just a mini-golf course – one of the first in Scotland – and a cafe housed in a makeshift wooden structure.

A shop was added to the site in 1977 and the business grew and grew until in 2002 – after ‘selling the family silver’ as Alastair Bilsland put it – it was fully modernised and housed in a brand new building.

The premises – which have been bought by a developer for around £1.2million – will undergo alterations including a new frontage and will reopen as a Tesco Express.

It is hoped the new store will open early next year.

Fans of the mini-golf course will be relieved to hear that it will be mostly unaffected with the loss of just two holes to provide additional parking.

Alastair Bilsland praised his wife Alison and their loyal staff for the success of the company: “There is no doubt in my mind that my wife was the brains behind the business.

“And we were so lucky with the staff we’ve had.

“You just couldn’t ask for better people over the last 40 odd years.”