Generations of visitors have given Arran its affectionate nickname of "Scotland in Miniature" thanks to the varied landscape contained within its compact area. The island is just some 25 miles long and 12 miles wide being about 56 miles around the coast. Arguably the most beautiful island in Europe, its granite peaks and sweeping moorland; wooded glens and wide sandy beaches; tumbling waterfalls and wide open seascape; these are just a few of the pieces in the jigsaw.
The island has a wealth of historical and natural interest with many varied sights to see. Arran’s prehistoric sites are varied with examples from many ages. Perhaps the most interesting are the Neolithic (New Stone Age) and the early Bronze Age sites. The Machrie Moor Standing Stones are well worth a visit. There are two castles on Arran, at Brodick and Lochranza. Brodick Castle is the island’s treasure chest of history and contained in its exquisite rooms are fine examples of silver, porcelain and paintings.The Heritage Museum, also in Brodick illustrates island life from the distant past to the 1920’s and has many attractions.
The golden eagle still inhabits the hills of the island along with many other bird species and the wildlife is equally rich with stags roaming the glens and red squirrel are regularly seen. Seals are often to be found in the islands bays and inlet. We have viewed seals, dolphins and basking sharks from the meadow. Oyster catchers and Seagulls nest and rear their young on the shore.
Arran is also one of the world’s classical geology locations. Diverse and beautiful rock formations abound, with spectacular sea cliffs formed 10,000 years ago running around much of the island.
The island is also home to many craftspeople who specialise in a wide variety of goods covering jewellery, pottery, porcelain, prints, paintings, woodcarving, leather goods, woven and spun goods, and candles, all of which are readily available from the many craft shops. Other Arran industries include the Island Cheese Company,Chocolate Factory, Aromatics and Island Preserves. Equally successful are the Arran Distillers at Lochranza whose whisky is unique and the Arran Brewery at Brodick.
Sport and outdoor activities are well catered for with Golf (7 courses), Swimming, (indoor pools at Auchrannie and Kinloch), Bowling, Cycling, Pony trekking, Hill Walking, Boat hire, Sea Fishing, Quad bikes and Helicopter trips.
Please see the Links section for more info on these activities
