The Most Comprehensive Tourism Information Site for the Isle of Arran, Scotland

ARRAN — Scotland en miniature

The Isle of Arran is more than just a seaside holiday destination, it is Scotland en miniature. On an island which can be circumtravelled within four hours. Whether the visitor just wants to relax in a cosy B&B, a hotel, a guesthouse, a youth hostel or whether he wants to stay closer to nature by camping, caravanning or self catering, the Highlands and Lowlands of Arran offer not only every style of accommodation but a million things to do. Brodick castle, a heritage museum, ruins and standing stones invite anyone interested in history, archaeology or genealogy.

Easy access by Ferries

Two Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes connect Arran with the mainland. The principal route is from Ardrossan in North Ayrshire to Brodick. There are up to six connection each way per day. The second ferry is between Lochranza and Cloanaigon the peninsula of Kintyre in Argyll. About 10 connections during the season offer visitors a direct scenic way to the Scottish Highlands. During Winter there is only one connection per day.

Outdoor activities are abundant

The magnificent mountains, hills, parks and gardens offer themselves to walking, climbing, hiking and biking and are an eldorado for anyone who loves bird watching, riding, pony trekking, geology, nature photographing, horticulture and painting. The great outdoors are tempting people who love sailing, kayaking, boating, diving, fishing, angling and paragliding. Putting greens, fancy golf, bowling, tennis and swimming among many more are on offer too.

Golf is among the most popular pastimes

Golfers will find seven golf courses on the island: in Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Shiskine / Blackwaterfoot, Machrie, Lochranza and Corrie, some of them with driving range and club. The Arran Golf Pass allows for a trial on each of them. Special favourites are the 12-hole links course in Shiskine and the course in Lochranza where deer may watch the golfers tee off.

Culture guarantees a first class visitors' experience

The less sportive guests are welcome to visit the many galleries, art and craft shops, visitor centres, the local whisky distillery and Arran's brewery. Arran is a well known place for first quality cheeses, preserves and toileteries. Many of the visitor attractions and centres offer courses and workshops for those who want to try out a new skill. Arran has also a big number of shops for everyday needs and many a heart's desires like outdoor and indoor clothing, souvenirs and gifts, books and cards, well stocked village shops often combined with the local Post Office, three Coop outlets, bakers, nurseries and garden centres etc. Not to forget Arran's dominant cultural life: the many galleries which show the work of local and visiting artists, regular drama production and high-quality musical titbits.

Breathtaking Scenery

With all this offers for distraction, the guests will hopefully not forget to simply enjoy the scenery, be it by seeing the sun rise in Sannox Bay or watching seals in Kildonan, taking a long stroll at the beaches of Kilmory or simply enjoy the view over to Kintyre and Ireland from Sliddery, Pirnmill, Catacol. There is an incredible diversity of scenery and beauty to enjoy any spot of Arran from the Cock of Arran in the North to Pladda in the South, from Drumadoon Point in the West to Holy Isle in the East. And not to forget Goat Fell, Arran's highest Mountain (874 m, 2866 ft), from where one has a superb 360� view up to the Highlands, over Ayrshire and as far as Ireland.

Food and Drink to match your expectations

Enjoying a hearty lunch, ending the day with dining out and savouring the food in one of the many restaurants, tearooms, cafes, pubs and inns is just the cream on the cake. Arran offers a huge choice for all tastes. From 2-AA-Rosettes to a humble pub grub and international take-away, one finds everything.

Spend a holiday on Arran. And a dream comes true!