Isle of Arran Accommodation

First glimpses of the Isle of Arran from the Kintyre coast on the way to the ferry

The jagged peaks of Goat Fell - the highest mountain on the island

The ferry from Claonaig on Kintyre to Lochranza on the north of Arran

Stunning scenery of the Isle of Arran

Isle of Arran Holiday Accommodation Arran Golf Tours Argyll Scotland

The Isle of Arran is stunning and you first get a glimpse of its mountainous terrain as you approach by ferry. The island has two distinct halves which gives rise to it being renowned as being Scotland in miniature with the mountainous Highlands in the north and the moorland and lowlands in the south.

There's plenty to keep you occupied on Arran whether it be historic sights and scenery or golf and outdoor pursuits, particularly hill or coastal walking.

Isle of Arran Tourist Information

The Isle of Arran is the most southerly Scottish Island and has elements of both the Highlands and Islands. The northern half is mountainous and not particularly populated. Goat Fell is the island's highest point and a popular hillwalk. The southern half is lower with moorland surrounded by farmland. The main settlements of the island are located in this part of Arran and thanks to the Gulf Stream benefit from a milder climate.

Arran is a huge playground for all sorts of outdoor activities. It relies heavily on tourism and you can tell with the huge programme of events that are put on every year. The main attractions are hillwalking and golf.

There is a good choice of accommodation across Arran including hotels, bed and breakfast and self-catering often centred around the golf courses but principally in Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay. To get around if you haven't brought your car over on the ferry, there is a bus service that circles the island with regular trips.

There is a Tourist Information Centre in Brodick, the main town on the island, at: The Pier, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AU. Tel: 01770 303776.

Isle of Arran Golf Courses

The Isle of Arran has no fewer than seven golf courses! Three of these are 18 hole courses at Brodick, Lamlash and Whiting Bay. There's a 12 hole course at Shiskine. Other 9 hole courses are at Machrie, Lochranza and Corrie.

If you're planning to have a golf holiday then this is obviously the place to be. You can buy an Arran Golf Pass which saves you 20% of course fees. It entitles you to one round of golf on each course and is valid for a year from the date of purchase - in case you're going to take your time. Passes are available from:

Arran Golf Pass, Shiskine Golf Club, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran KA27 8HA. Tel: 01770 860226

Corrie Golf Club doesn't have a website but can be contacted at: Sannox, Isle of Arran KA27 8JD. Tel: 01770 810606.

Brodick - Arran History

Brodick is the main settlement on Arran. The ferries from Ardrossan dock here and there is a good choice of accommodation in the town - mainly strung out along the south side of the bay, handy for the tourist office and the ferry pier. There is also a supermarket, bank, cafes and shops.

One of the first sights as the ferry nears Arran is Brodick Castle which was strategically placed as a defensive fortification from the 13th century. The castle is now situated within a country park - the only country park on an island in Britain - with a fabulous backdrop of Goat Fell that rises to 874 feet.

Arran's Heritage Museum is also based near Brodick at Rosaburn. You can find out all about the archaeology, history and geology of the island. Arran's geology has long been the source of scientific study due to its range of rock types.

Lamlash - Holy Island - Whiting Bay

Lamlash is something of a seaside resort four miles south of Brodick. Its sheltered bay has long been useful for various ships including King Haakon's fleet in 1263 and the Royal Navy in the 20th century.

Over the bay is the beautiful Holy Island owned by a group of Tibetan Buddhists who have a long-term retreat in the lighthouse and have developed a Peace Centre at the other end of the island. Boat trips to the island are possible from Whiting Bay and Lamlash. Be warned, dogs, fires and alcohol are banned from the island. Usual activities are walking around the coast of the island where you can see a wide range of wildlife, Eriskay ponies, feral goats and Soay sheep, or if you're quick on your feet climbing the 1,030 feet Mullach Mor - the highest point on the island. Holy Island Ferry - Tom Sheldon, Tel: 01770 600998. Email: tomin10@tiscali.co.uk.

On the village green at Lamlash is a memorial to eleven families who sailed to Canada from Arran after losing their homes in The Clearances which affected the island greatly in the 19th century. Since then Arran's population has been growing.

Lochranza Castle - Isle of Arran Distillery

Lochranza is becoming more visited now with the ferry depositing visitors here. There a good range of holiday accommodation

Lochranza Castle dates from the 13th century and was one a hunting lodge of the Scottish kings. Much of what stands today is from later modifications in the 16th century. It is usually open between Apr-Sept and you can get some good views over Loch Ranza and the village.

The Isle of Arran Distillery is one of the most recently opened in Scotland. It is now the only one on Arran although at one time 50 distilleries were working on Arran although many of them were illegal stills! Isle of Arran Distilleries opened in 1995 after a brief delay when they halted building works to allow the golden eagles who nest in the mountains behind the distillery to hatch their eggs in peace.

The distillery has a Visitor Centre from which you can take guided tours. There is also a shop, restaurant and exhibition. Check their website for more information and ordering whisky online. If you want to make a booking for large groups contact the Visitor Centre on 01770 830264. Email: visitorcentre@arranwhisky.com

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