The '''Isle of Arran''' is situated in south-western Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde near Glasgow. Measuring approximately 167 square miles (433 km2) in area, it has a population of approximately 5,000. Arran is the seventh largest island in Scotland, but is not technically one of the Hebrides, being the southernmost of the Scottish islands. Widely referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature', Arran offers visitors a compact and easily accessible island that mimics the geology of mainland Scotland, with a sparsely populated and mountainous northern half and a flatter, more populous southern half. Located close to Glasgow and Scotland's Ayrshire coast, Arran is a popular and easily accessible tourist destination.

Villages

Lamlash

Lamlash is Arran's main population centre. Facilities include:
  • Bowling green - Visitors welcome to this seasonal facility, you are asked to wear flat shoes. The green is only open in good weather to avoid wear. __3 per adult __1.50 for concessions.
  • Beach - mostly stony, however there are several sandy stretches.
  • Medical Centre
  • Fishing Trips - limited places available so a very good idea to book ahead at the caravan on Lamlash Pier
  • Boat hire - __20 for a 4 person boat for 2 hours, __30 for a 6 person boat for 2 hours. Fishing rods are also available for hire. The views from the centre of Lamlash Bay are well worth the money
  • Boat to the Holy Island (seasonal)
  • Brodick

    Brodick is another large settlement and is the island's principal point of entry, with multiple daily ferry sailings to and from Ardrossan on the mainland. Facilities include:
  • Ferry Port - for [http://www.calmac.co.uk/arran Caledonian MacBrayne] services to Ardrossan
  • Bus Station - situated next to the ferry terminal
  • Petrol Station & Car Hire - small cars (including a two seater Smart Roadster) from __25 per day
  • Supermarkets - Brodick is home to two Co-operative supermarkets, offering the widest selection of food and provisions on the Island.
  • Arran Brewery - located at the base of the footpath towards Goat Fell. There is an independent restaurant facing you in the main driveway, but walk around the corner to the Brewery itself for some generous free beer tasting and the opportunity of buying 8 pint jerry cans of some excellent real ale! Although not technically holding a licence, you can get away with drinking on the adjacent picnic tables.
  • Computer Shop - to the East of the main Co-op this shop offers a range of computing goods and internet access (__1/hr), also good if you run short of a fuse as no where else on the island seems to sell them. Tel: (01770) 830343
  • Bowling green - Visitors welcome to this seasonal facility, you are asked to wear flat shoes and there is normally someone on hand to show you how to play if you've never tried before. The green is only open in good weather to avoid wear. __3 per adult __1.50 for concessions
  • Leisure centre offering swimming pool - Auchrannie Spa Resort, the biggest hotel on island offers public swimming facilities
  • Good beach - This is situated on the west side of the town, the other beaches nearer the ferry terminal are nearly all rocks
  • Majority of hotels and guest houses
  • Mobile Cinema - the 'Screen Machine', a traveling cinema in the back of an articulated lorry that tours the Scottish islands parks up outside the Auchrannie once a month.
  • Library
  • Shop at Arran Adventure Centre at the entrance of the Auchrannie offering guided activities such as climbing, kayaking and mountainbiking- weather forecasts posted everyday
  • Library with internet access, open Tuesday 10am-5pm, Thursday and Friday 10am-7:30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.
  • Free Wireless Access avaialable at Auchrannie Resort (from 8am till late 7 days a week) [http://www.auchrannie.co.uk]''
  • The Arran Store - outside the Ferry Terminal. Also offers internet access
  • Mini Golf - on the western end of the town next to the small Co-op supermarket offers a grass course.
  • Crazy Golf - in the centre of the the town is a more exotic affair in line with a crazy golf course based on concrete and prone to flooding.
  • Basic Go Karting - age restrictions may apply to this as the set up seems geared towards children
  • Bike Hire - available at Arran Adventure centre (near the crazy golf course) and also available next to the Mini Golf course.
  • ArCaS charity shop - outside the Ferry Terminal
  • Blackwaterfoot

  • Pub serving real ale
  • B&B
  • Kinloch Hotel with (rather chilly) indoor swimming pool
  • Garage with the only petrol station north of the String Road
  • Kinloch Hotel Bakery - the best bakery on the island! Not open on Wednesday and Sunday. Also sells pizzas
  • Small grocery store selling food, whisky, and other essentials (only open 9am until 1pm on Wednesday)
  • Very tiny harbour
  • Pony trekking at Cairnhouse Stables - caters to beginners and experienced riders
  • Golf the Shiskine Golf and Tennis club 12 hole course - beautiful scenery. Ranked 99th in the World's Top 100 Golf Courses.
  • Clauchlands Point

  • Abandoned boom defence signal station from World War II
  • Good view of Holy Island and the Scottish mainland
  • Nuclear Submarines can sometimes be seen from this point
  • Large amount of bird life
  • Quite common to see seals relaxing on the rocks
  • Shrimps can be gathered in the rock pools at low tide
  • Kilmory

  • Torrylinn Creamery (cheese shop/viewing gallery/picnic area)
  • Post office (contained within the community hall)
  • Community hall (farmers' markets last Saturday of every month)
  • Kilmory bunk house (self catering accommodation)
  • Children's play area
  • Pottery Workshop
  • Dyemill forest cycle track to Lamlash & Whiting Bay
  • Hotel
  • Kilmory Kirk
  • Lochranza

  • Ruined castle - Believed to be a 16th Century reconstruction of an earlier building.
  • Whisky Distillery - Open March to October. Includes visitors centre, nice restaurant and shop
  • Stone men of Arran - Fantastic little shop placed on the side of the hill on the East coast of the Bay. Quite a long but interesting walk from the main part of the village, you are likely to meet sheep and maybe deer on the way.
  • One Pub - closer to the pier
  • [http://www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/web/site/Hostels/Lochranza.asp '''Lochranza Youth Hostel''']- Spartan but friendly, with helpful managers and very good kitchen.
  • Campsite with 18 Hole Golf Course [http://www.lochranzagolf.com]- Normally open from April until mid October each year
  • Deer come down to the water most evenings
  • Ferry to the mainland, please see By Boat section.
  • Catacol

    The village of Catacol has the Catacol Bay Hotel [http://www.catacol.co.uk], with accommodation prices starting at just __20 per person per night during the low season (October to March). This hotel is probably one of the best hotels on the island, and also convenient if you are travelling to/from the north of Scotland, as the hotel is close to the Lochranza ferry terminal. There is also a Sunday Buffet here as well. '''HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!''' On most Tuesdays, there is a folk session which you can join in of you have bought an instrument. The hotel also has a free courtesy bus service to Pirnmill and Lochranza for 2 people or more, so you can get the first ferry easily if you haven't got a car or if you don't want to get up at 6am to catch the bus! You can look at (but not go inside) the Twelve Apostles, which is a unique row of terraced houses. Catacol is highly recommended, and well worth a look.

    Pirnmill

  • Lighthouse Tearoom which serves excellent food
  • Pirnmill Village Store - the only proper village shop between Brodick and Blackwaterfoot if you are coming via the North Island (the campsite shop and tearoom at Lochranza does not offer much and is not open in winter)
  • Good quiet beach with (normally) very few, if any, people there
  • Lots of tracks and paths which you can explore
  • Quiet village and a very friendly neighberhood
  • Whiting Bay

  • Nice-looking village south of Brodick. Large white sand beach. Football pitch, Childrens playground, putting green, bowling green.
  • Three well stocked groceries shops: Village Shop, Bay Stores and Kirkend Nurseries (grows its own fruits and vegs).
  • Galleries, DIY, Craft shops, Petrol stations, Newsagent, furniture and carpet shop, massage and reiki treatment.
  • Restaurants: Trafalgar, Burlington Hotel (closed over the winter), Indian, The Beach Hut, The Golden Dragon, Eden Hotel and two Pubs.
  • Starting point for walks to the "Giants Grave" (1.5 mile round trip), the "Glenashdale Falls" (7 mile round trip) and round "Kings Cross Point" (3 miles round trip).
  • Whiting Bay Golf Club. 18 holes, Starter box with changing room, Clubhouse with Restaurant and Bar. Snooker Table in its own room.
  • Corrie

  • Picturesque village situated five miles north of Brodick. Approximately one mile long.
  • One craft shop in the centre of the village.
  • Corrie Hotel - good accommodation, with a friendly bar which is also open to non-residents.
  • Sandstone Quay - sitatuated 1/4 mile into the village, includes children's play area and public toilets
  • Caves - approx 2/3 into the village, can be accessed from the Shore Road, and is best visited as part of a steep trek to the top of the hill. There is even an old, rusty car in one of them! Note that parking is very limited.
  • Machrie

  • Machrie Bay Golf Course and Tearoom - some of the best snacks and drinks around! Also good for a game of golf
  • Old Byre Showroom - great souvenirs can be bought here. A cafe opened here recently, serving some of the best burgers and other meaty meals on the island! They also own the Sheepskin Shop in Brodick
  • Weir's Garage - car repairs and breakdown service
  • Other destinations

    Holy Island (known locally as the Holy Isle)

  • Sole inhabitants are Buddhist monks, during summer tourist season, boat takes visitors roughly every hour from 10am to 5pm
  • Vision of Virgin Mary persuaded previous owner to sell it to the monks
  • Food stuff available for purchase from monks
  • Walk up the backbone of the island - However, keep to the path! There are dangerous crevasses hidden in the heather
  • Beautiful view of Lamlash and the Scottish mainland
  • Buddhist Monastery - please note this is not accessible to the public as it is used as a place of retreat (Monks stay there for 3 years and 3 months)
  • Caves
  • Buddhist Art
  • East side of the Island is closed to the public as there is the danger of rock fall
  • The Ross

  • Lamlash to Lagg
  • Not recommended to take this route in the winter as road can become impassable due to snow and ice.
  • Good to take cars
  • Possible to cycle - however it is steep. A bike with many gears is recommended
  • Sparsely populated, danger of meeting sheep and occasionally deer on the road
  • Fantastic Scenery
  • No public transport - though you should be able to hitch passing cars fairly easily
  • Understand

    The Isle of Arran is often described as 'Scotland in Miniature', offering the scenery of the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands on one Island, in the North and South respectively.

    The northern part of the island is a National Scenic Area, i'ts easy to understand why!

    For detailled Information consult the Internet guide "Visit Isle of Arran" [http://www.visit-isle-of-arran.eu]. This is a comprehensive Tourist guide, showing all addresses with phone number of all island business venues with touristic values (all sort of Accommodation, Galeries, Restaurants/Pubs, Garages, Taxis, Shops, Services, Attractions etc), some with live links to their Website and to their Email-address. In short, everything a tourist ever desires to find.

    Note that if the ferry is not running, the shops will not get any newspapers until the ferry starts running again. And '''don't''' ask anyone before 9am "Have you got any papers?"

    Get in

    By boat

    The only practical way to reach Arran is using one of the two Ferries operated by Caledonian McBrayne. The ferries run between:

    Ardrossan(mainland) - Brodick(Arran)

    Name: '''MV Caledonian Isles''' and '''MV Saturn'''<br/> Facilities on Board: '''MV Caledonian Isles, toilets, children's play area, observation lounge, tourist information desk, disabled access, Bar, Coffee Bar, Restaurant. '''MV Saturn, toilets, cafeteria/bar'''<br/> Vehicle capacity: '''MV Caledonian Isles 120 cars; MV Saturn about 40 to 50 cars''' (other vehicles can be accommodated) N.B. It is prudent to book in advance<br/> Passenger capacity: '''MV Caledonian Isles 1000; MV Saturn 381'''<br/> Duration of Trip: '''MV Caledonian Isles 55 minutes; MV Saturn up to 75 minutes'''<br/> Runs all year: '''MV Caledonian Isles Yes; MV Saturn summer only'''<br/> Trainlink mainland: '''MV Caledonian Isles Yes; MV Saturn No''', all services run to Glasgow Central. Note that the ferry waits for the train, but the train does not wait for the ferry if it is running late<br/> Cost (foot passengers): You can buy a 5 day saver return for around __8, with single fares being roughly __5

    This year, Saturn services will start on the 12th of June, finishing at the end of August. Timetables are available from the Calmac website and from the ferry terminals.

    Claonaig(mainland) - Lochranza(Arran)

    Name: '''MV Loch Tarbert'''<br/> Facilities on Board: '''toilets, small passenger lounge'''<br/> Vehicle capacity: '''18 cars''' (other vehicles can be accommodated)<br/> Passenger capacity: '''150'''<br/> Duration of Trip: '''30 minutes'''<br/> Runs all year: '''see below'''<br/> Trainlink mainland: '''No'''<br/> Prices are lower than on the Ardrossan - Brodick ferry, but it is not worth it if you are coming up from the south.

    Be warned services can be cancelled or diverted due to bad weather and reduced services run on Sundays and off season. Between the end of March and the end October, there is an extra Friday evening ferry between Ardrossan and Brodick which does not run for the rest of the week.

    Between the end of October and the end of March, a ferry runs once a day between Lochranza and Tarbert. Passengers and cars MUST book in advance for this ferry. Pick up a timetable or go to the Calmac website for further details.

    The paddle steamer Waverley [http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/] also calls at the island 3 times per week. Services run from Ayr, Largs, Glasgow and other places, check the website for further details

    In addition to the above ferries, Arran Power and Sail[http://www.arranpowerandsail.com/] run two services using RIB powerboats;

  • Largs to Brodick; __30 each way
  • Glasgow to Brodick; __60 each way
  • They also operate all the way to Ardrossan on request; see the website for further details.

    By Plane

    The nearest airports to Arran are Glasgow Prestwick[http://www.gpia.co.uk/] and Glasgow International[http://www.glasgowairport.com/] on the mainland. Prestwick is situated 32 miles to the south of Glasgow, International is 15 miles west of the city. From Prestwick you can travel by train to Kilwinning (en route to Glasgow Central) and change for Ardrossan Harbour and ferries to Brodick. Alternatively bus 585 (operated by Stagecoach Western) travels directly from the airport to Ardrossan Princes Street, a short walk from the ferry terminal. Taxis from Prestwick Airport to Ardrossan Harbour are also available for about __15. From Glasgow International a bus operates to Paisley Gilmour Street railway station, for rail connections to Ardrossan Harbour.

    By Bus

    '''To Ardrossan;'''

  • The number 11 bus from Kilmarnock runs frequently Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on Sunday.
  • The 'Clyde Coast' 585 service runs from Ayr and '''Glasgow Prestwick International Airport''' in the south and Greenock, Weymss Bay (for the Isle of Bute) and Largs (for Cumbrae) in the north every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 2 hours on Sunday.
  • The X36 express bus runs from Glasgow every hour Monday to Saturday and every 2 to 4 hours on Sunday. Other express buses are available Monday to Friday during peak times, see this website [http://www.stagecoachbus.co.uk/western/] for more details.
  • All buses are operated by Stagecoach Western.

    '''To Claonaig;'''

  • West Coast Motors [http://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk] operate the 448 bus from Lochgilphead to Tarbert, Kennacraig (for Islay), Claonaig (for the Arran ferry) and Skipness infrequently Monday to Saturday, check the website for further details. All buses connect with ferries to Arran. Bikes are also conveyed on the bus for free!
  • Scottish Citylink/West Coast Motors operate the 926 service from Glasgow to Campbeltown three times a day, but only 1 (2 if you fancy walking the 5 miles from Kennacraig to Claonaig or if you want to look around Tarbert for a few hours) service connects with a bus heading for Claonaig, see the West Coast Motors website for more information. Get off the bus at Tarbert and get on the 448 bus as mentioned above to Claonaig. Note that buses are in West Coast Motors livery.
  • West Coast Motors operate the 423 buses from Oban to Lochgilphead, which offer sufficiant connection time to get to the 448 bus in Lochgilphead. They run Monday to Saturday. Check the WCM website for more details.
  • By train

    '''From Glasgow'''

    Trains [http://www.scotrail.co.uk/] run direct from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour several times a day. Departures to and from Glasgow are timed to connect with CalMac [http://www.calmac.co.uk/] ferries to Brodick. All trains to Ardrossan Habour connect with ferries, and both the train and ferry can be delayed if the other is late running. Combined train/ferry tickets to Glasgow can also be bought at the ferry terminal in Brodick, and combined tickets to Brodick can be bought from any railway station, sometimes saving on the equivalent combined cost of train and ferry tickets. Note that some trains from Glasgow split at Ardrossan South Beach, so you will have to be in the '''front''' 3 cars of the train: pay close attention to departure screens before boarding the train.

    '''From Ayr and Prestwick Airport'''

    Trains run frequently from Ayr and Prestwick Airport to Kilwinning, where you can get on another train to Ardrossan. A few trains per day also come from Stranraer (for Northern Ireland).

    By car

    There is no bridge link to Arran and you must take the ferry, however both ferries carry cars. Note there is an extensive long term car park at Ardrossan Harbour. Also note that there is no LPG on the island either.

    Get around

    '''By car'''

    There are three main roads on the island: the main road that runs around the coast (the A841), the 'String Road' that runs from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot (the B880) and the Ross Road that runs from Lamlash to Kilmory (a.k.a Lagg - the bus timetables and roadsigns show 'Lagg', but the 30mph speedboards show 'Kilmory'). Maps are widely available all over the island if you have not got your own.

  • Car Hire is also available from the petrol station at the ferry terminal in Brodick. Cars cost from __25 per day, and range in size from a two-seater Smart to a seven-seater Vauxhall Zafira. Tel: 01770 302121.
  • '''By bus'''

    You don't need a car or bike to explore Arran, with an extensive and reliable bus service covering most of the island. Services are operated by Stagecoach Western [http://www.stagecoachbus.com/western/], although because of the local authority area, it's not unusual to see bus stops and timetables carrying the logo of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) [http://www.spt.co.uk/] who oversee public transport on Arran. A single day 'Rover' ticket costs __4.60, although beware that fares and timetables change with the seasons.

    A full timetable can be found online.[http://www.stagecoachbus.com/western/timetables.php?service=3052] and printed timetables are available on all buses, on board the ferries, at the ferry terminals and from most of convenience stores. Key services include:

  • 321 Brodick - Corriegills (service only runs once per day on schooldays only)
  • 322 Brodick - String Road - Blackwaterfoot
  • 323 Brodick - Lamlash - Whiting Bay - Lagg - Blackwaterfoot
  • 324 Brodick - Lochranza - Blackwaterfoot
  • 324/322 North Island Circle
  • 323/322 South Island Circle
  • 324/323 Island Circles
  • The Open Top Castle Bus (Brodick - Brodick Castle)
  • Most buses connect in Brodick with the CalMac[http://www.calmac.co.uk/] ferry to Ardrossan. Check timetable notes carefully, as some late evening buses only run on Fridays during the summer. Few buses run after 9pm.

    Note that many of the 323 services on Mondays to Saturdays terminate at Whiting Bay. Check the timetable for details.

    The Castle Bus only runs daily during the summer holidays, and weekends until the end of October. Timetables are available locally.

    '''By motorcycle'''

    Arran is an adrenaline junkie's paradise when it comes to motorcycles! The roads are narrow, heavilly potholed (so much that Arran is the 'pothole capital' of the UK!) and often you come across 40 ton logging trucks! And after all that, the rewards are magnificant, with breathtaking views during the sunshine! As an added bonus, a motorcycle can be brought over to Arran for half the cost of a car! Even though the roads are "goin' tae pot", it's still a very big adventure for even the seasoned motorcyclist!

    '''By bicycle'''

    Hiring a bike is recommended to travel some routes, such as the Ross, that the bus doesn't take. In Brodick, bike hire is available from the Boathouse and Arran Power and Sail on the shore and Arran Adventures next to the Auchrannie. In Blackwaterfoot you can hire a bike from the Kinloch Sports Club. Cycling over the Machrie Moor Road from the String Road to Machrie on a calm, sunny day is not to be missed...

    '''By taxi'''

    Taxi services cover the entire island and you may find that booking ahead is a good idea as they get very busy in peak season. If you are travelling alone it is best to ask for a quote when booking, as prices can be '''very''' steep depending on where you want to go - it is actually cheaper to rent a car than get a return taxi fare from Brodick to Lochranza. :: Brodick to Clauchlands Point __6 single

    See

  • '''Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park''' [http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/13/] is undoubtedly Arran's proudest and most photogenic historic building, and is open to the public seven days a week, although due to constrained finances (as of spring 2009) only (slightly more expensive) guided tours are available inside the castle on Fridays and Saturdays - however these include excellent histories and details from knowledgeable docents. Opening hours - Castle: 1 Apr to 31 Oct, Sun-Thurs 11?4.00 (closes 3.00 in Oct); Country Park: all year, daily 9.30?sunset; Reception Centre, Shop and Walled Garden: 1 Apr to 31 Oct, daily 10?4.30, 1 Nov to 21 Dec, Fri/Sat/Sun 10?3.30. A Brodick Castle Day Out ticket is available from any ScotRail staffed station within Strathclyde or ScotRail Telesales. This ticket includes: Return rail travel from any Strathclyde rail station to Ardrossan Harbour, return ferry travel on the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick Pier, return bus connection with Stagecoach Western from Brodick Pier to Brodick Castle and admission to Brodick Castle.
  • '''Lochranza Castle''' is partially ruined and the interior is not generally accessible, but its setting beside the sea in Lochranza is quite stunning.
  • There are great rock formations and a lighthouse at '''Kildonan'''
  • There is a magnificent view from top of '''Goat Fell''', including Ireland on a good day, which is accessible by footpath from Brodick Castle. Healthy daytrippers can easily make it from the ferry to the peak and back in a day.
  • '''Ailsa Craig''' offers a similar peak in the south of the island.
  • '''Seals''' are often visible in the sea around Arran
  • Standing stones at '''Machrie Moor'''
  • The fairies in the garden on Holy Isle
  • The various '''standing stones, stone circles and cairns''' dotted all over the island. An Ordnance Survey map (Landranger 69 or for more detail Explorer 361) will help you locate them.
  • The '''waterfalls''' hidden near the '''Giant's Graves'''.
  • '''Golden Eagles''' can be seen over the mountainous north of the island, as well as '''diving birds''' around the coast, '''hen harriers''' towards the south, '''ravens''' widespread, many '''deer''' throughout the island and even '''red squirrels''' can be occasionally sighted. Many ''''migrating birds''' have been reported between the seasons, including '''waxwings''' and '''crossbills'''. Some more nnorthern birds have also been known to become windswept southwards, for example the white-tailed sea eagle and long-tailed skuas.
  • Beaches

  • '''Kildonan''' and '''Pirnmill''' are generally regarded as the best beaches on the island
  • '''Cleat's Shore''' is Scotland's only officially designated naturist beach (there are only 11 in the whole of the UK). Unlike all the other official naturist beaches, don't expect to actually see anyone else at all, nudist or otherwise!
  • Do

    A good and comprehensive overview of all "Do's" can be found on "The Isle of Arran Tourism Directory" [http://www.visit-isle-of-arran.eu]

  • Golf at one of the islands many courses
  • Brodick Castle
  • Distillery at Lochranza
  • Visit the newly opened Clan Horse Arran farm park [http://www.clanhorsearran.com]
  • Go for a swim at the Auchrannie or the Kinloch. The minimum ages to swim solo are 12 at the Auchrannie and 17 at the Kinloch
  • Sailing
  • Lawn Bowls
  • Walk up '''Goat Fell'''. Recommend tackling in the morning; it can be achieved in half a day. Has fantastic view from on top, worth trying to go on a clear day. Its all walkable, no climbing involved.
  • The '''Corrie''' route - Has waterfalls, is steeper.
  • Pony Trekking, North Sannox, spectacular scenery.
  • Take the ferry from Lamlash to Holy Isle. See the wild ponies, goats, seals. Have tea with a Buddhist monk.
  • Quad biking at Balmichael Visitor Centre - by trek.
  • Helicopter rides, also at Balmichael
  • Fish - trout fishery just south of Blackwaterfoot - more or less guaranteed a catch! Novices welcome.
  • Go for a great senic walk in Glencloy, Brodick
  • Torrylinn Creamery. ilmory. 1770 870240. 0am - 4pm. Cheese shop/viewing gallery/picnic area. Traditional cheese making (Dunlop Cheddar) using 100% Arran milk, since 1947. </do>
  • Island Cheese Company. Home Farm, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8DD. 1770 302788. ttp://www.islandcheese.co.uk/. Visit the shop at Duchess Court or order Arran hampers online.

    Eat

    There are many good eateries on the island. From the 5 Star Kilmichael Country House Hotel, the Auchrannie (both in Brodick), the Trafalgar Restaurant (Whiting Bay), the Kildonan Hotel (Kildonan), the Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot to the Restaurant at the Distillery in Lochranza.

  • eighteen69, Auchrannie Hotel, Brodick [http://www.auchrannie.co.uk]- fine dining in casual atmosphere; 2 AA Rossettes. Expect to pay __50 for a 3 course meal! Dress code: smart casual.
  • Brambles Brasserie, Auchrannie Hotel, Brodick [http://www.auchrannie.co.uk]- top quality casual dining, excellent food.
  • Creelers of Arran seafood resteraunt and shop at Duchess Court Shops. Very Pricey!!
  • The Brodick Bar - Extensive selection on the blackboard Monday - Saturday, Also Very Pricey!!
  • The Distillery, Lochranza - offers good meals and, of course, house whiskey!
  • Catacol Bay Hotel [http://www.catacol.co.uk]- extensive food list with many local dishes, decent prices, the best service around. See the Catacol section.
  • The Ormidale in Brodick - another extensive selection of food.
  • The Lighthouse Tearoom, Pirnmill - offers excellent food. People come from all over the island just to eat here! Try a world famous '''meringue''' as well!
  • Machrie Bay Tearoom - excellent meals, especially the venison burgers!
  • Old Byre Cafe, Machrie - at the Showroom. Serves excellent burgers, chips and drinks.
  • Toby's Tearoom, Kilmory - Freshly prepared traditional food, open every day except Wednesday. Excellent value for money with attentive, prompt service.
  • The Glenisle Hotel, Lamlash - Again, not cheap - didn't enjoy it so much 2nd visit
  • Shanghai Chinese Takeaway, Brodick - like the Ferry Fry below, but there are more choices. '''Recommended!''' Opposite the small Co-op and open everyday from 4pm to 10-11pm
  • The Coffee Pot, Whiting Bay - snacks and very good light meals - good service, reasonably priced.
  • The Ferry Fry, Brodick - half decent fried food. Opening times vary a lot, but it is certainly open Wednesday-Sunday. Expect to wait for ages to get a fish! Also, the hamburgers are VERY meaty...
  • The Sandwich Station, Lochranza - offers excellent freshly made sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Outside the ferry terminal.
  • Drink

    At least one Pub is in most Villages, some have two or more.

    The Catacol Bay Hotel has one of the best range of drinks on the island. Nothing too expensive, but it has one of the best atmospheres around

    Cruize Bar [http://www.auchrannie.co.uk] at the Auchrannie Spa Resort offers a good range of drinks (also serves good food), open 7 days, comfortable surroundings and occasional party nights.

    An intersting one often with live music on Fridays and Saturdays in Whiting Bay (the Cameronia Pub)

    Another at the Ormidale Hotel, Brodick. It has a nice atmosphere (upper part is in former glasshouse), pub quizzes and the most insanley tiled toilet block in the world.

    There is also a pub with '''real ale''' at the Blackwaterfoot Lodge.

    A comprehensive list of all Eating and Drinking places on Arran can be found at __The Isle of Arran Tourism Directory__ [http://visit-isle-of-arran.eu].

    Sleep

    There is a SYHA Youth Hostel on the island, in Lochranza. During Scottish holiday periods it becomes fully booked early, so if you wish to stay, plan in advance. '''It is currently under refurbishment, so do not come here until further notice!'''

    For Hotels, Guesthouses, B&B, Selfcatering and Camping/Caravaning best consult the comprehensive Internet guide "The isle of Arran Tourism Dirctory" [http://www.visit-isle-of-arran.eu].

    Auchrannie Resort [http://www.auchrannie.co.uk] in Brodick offers 3 types of accommodation - 5* Luxury self catering lodges, 4* traditional country house hotel and 4* modern spa resort - excellent range of on-site services including 2 swimming pools and extensive health and lesiure facilities.

    The Catacol Bay Hotel offers accommodation for just __20 to __30 per night.

    Get out

    In summer, take the ferry to Claonaig and walk or cycle the 2.5 miles along the coast to Skipness, see the travel guide for more information.

    Holy Island is also a good day out, see the Holy Island travel guide for further details.