New staff flats planned on Arran have been approved to help attract more workers to an island resort.

An application to construct five flats for the Auchrannie Resort at St Elmos House, Brodick and partial demolition work was approved by planning chiefs last week.

A statement from Auchrannie Leisure said the resort had difficulty in maintaining senior staff and this was part of plans to upgrade accommodation.

Director David Johnston said: “Auchrannie Leisure Ltd have applied for planning for this five flat development to provide much needed additional accommodation for senior staff members.

“One of our biggest problems in retaining senior staff is a lack of suitable accommodation of them to settle long term on the island with their families. This mix of flats would give us an option to initially rent to senior management or possibly sell to them in future for a permanent base.

“This project forms part of a larger plan to replace older, unsuitable accommodation with modern, purpose built accommodation.

“The main house at St Elmos is no longer fit for purpose so has been put on the market.”