Often referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature', Arran| dramatically dominates the estuary of the river Clyde. With its famous profile known as the Sleeping Warrior, it cuts an imposing site.
Villages on Arran |
Arrans History and Heritage|
Wildlife and Conseration|
Villages on Arran
Arran has a number of scenic villages starting with the Capital of Brodick which is home to the Ferry Terminal, Brodick Castle|, Hotels and most of the Shops on the Island. Also, 'The Arran Brewery', microbrewery founded in March 2000 in Cladach, near Brodick produces three regular cask and bottled beers.
Lamlash, the largest of the villages on the island, faces southerly on to the Holy Isle and gets its name from this tiny island when an Irish monk called Lais inhabited a cave in about 590AD.
There is also Lochranza facing north, on the shores or Loch Ranza, a small sea loch. Work on a new pier was completed in 2003 which now allows access to larger vessels, most notable are the Waverly Paddle Steamer| and 'The Lord of the Glens' which is a small cruise ship.
Blackwaterfoot in the South West is home the 12 hole Golf Course. One of only two in Europe. It is also just a short walk from Drumadoon Point where you will find the largest of Arrans Iron Age Forts. Further north of this points you will find the King's Cave, which is believed to be the hiding place of Robert the Bruce.
The village of Kildonan boasts views south over the village to the Ayrshire coast and the islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig.
In the South East, Whiting Bay lies close to Glenashdale Falls with a nearby Iron Age fort and the prehistoric burial site, the "Giants' Graves" which are an easy walk from the village.
History and Heritage
Arran is rich in heritage and history with many Neolithic Cairns to be found on the island. The best being in Monamore Glen, east of Lamlash and the Giants Grave above Whiting Bay. Standing stones dating back to prehistoric times can be found on Machrie Moor to name but a few. There is also numerous Bronze Age and Iron Age sites through-out the island.
Wildlife and Conservation
The island has three prevelant species of tree, the Arran Whitebeams. These are the Arran Whitebeam, the Cut-leaved Whitebeam and the Catacol Whitebeam. There are in numbers of such rarity that they are amongst the most endangered trees in the World. partially fenced off by the National Nature Reserve, they are protected in Glen Diomhan off Glen Catacol at the north end of the island and monitored by staff from Scottish Natural Heritage|.
Black Guillemot, Eider Peregrine Falcons and even the Golden Eagle are amongst over 200 species of birds that have been recorded on the island. Wildlife also includes Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Otters, Adders and Common Lizards. porpoises, Basking Sharks and various species of Dolphins can also be spotted off the Arran shoreline.
Transport To and On the Island
Arran is accessible to the mainland by two ferry routes, one from Brodick to Ardrossan |and during the summer time, from Lochranza to Claonaig|. There is also a small local ferry service that will transport you from Lamlash to the Holy Isle. There are local buses that operate on the island that join the many villages and connection to the Ferry Terminal.
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