Arran

Island intro

Known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran boasts stunning granite peaks in the north of the island, separated from the lush undulating pastures of the south by the Highland Fault Line. A haven for wildlife, with golden eagles, seals, red deer, otters and red squirrels all easily spotted on the island, Arran also boasts a wealth of history and plenty of local produce to discover.

Ask an Islander

We asked locals in Arran to tell us why their island is special. Here’s what they said:

Adventure activities such as guided walks, canyoning, kayaking, and cycling are all available, and Arran boasts attractions such as a museum, and three distilleries. The island is steeped in heritage from the popular Brodick Castle to sites such as King’s Cave and Machrie Moor Stone Circles on the west of the island, or Carn Ban, a chambered cairn in the south Arran forest.

Don’t forget to check out the island’s creative scene and then refuel with some excellent local produce. Arran’s microclimate is perfect for amazing local produce. Check out the island’s whisky, gin, cheese, oatcakes, beer, ice cream, chocolate, and preserves.

If golf is your thing, Arran is a fantastic place to experience some island courses. There are no less than seven golf courses on the island, including the much sought after 12 hole course at Shiskine.

Arran has an amazing community spirit and lots of super-local events which welcome visitors too – and you might enjoy some home baking too! Bigger events such as festivals, sports and Highland Games take place throughout the year so there’s always something going on.

Wild swimming is becoming more and more popular across the country, and Arran has some excellent swim spots. If you don’t fancy swimming at one of Arran’s amazing beaches, take a trip to Coire Fion Lochan, Loch Tanna or the Blue Pools in Glen Rosa for a dip. Or try out the Doctor’s Bath in Corrie. This incredible tidal pool is carved out of the sandstone on the shoreline and enjoys some spectacular views out to sea.

The island has abundant wildlife and birdlife, and amazing flora too. Because of the Gulf Stream that passes through the island keeping it relatively temperate, you can see palm trees alongside snowcapped mountains in the winter. There are no foxes, moles, weasels or grey squirrels, but there are rare white deer.

Gaelic / Gàidhlig

The Gaelic name for Arran is Eilean Arainn.

Want to say ‘good afternoon’ to someone in Gaelic? That’s ‘feasgar math‘!

Collect your travelogue stamp!

If you have one of our paper travelogues you can collect your stamp using the brass rubbing plate located at Kilmory Hall, Lagg.

Why not download the Scottish Islands Passport app to collect digital stamps!

Getting Here

CalMac Ferries runs several sailings a day between Brodick on Arran and Ardrossan on the mainland year round, and between Lochranza on Arran and Claonaig during summer months.