Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde off the West coast of Scotland. A popular tourist destination it is often known as Scotland in Miniature.

Satellite view of Isle of Arran Satellite view of the Isle of Arran

The Arran is about 22 miles long by up to 7 miles wide, which makes it the 7th largest of the Scottish Islands.

It has been settled since neolithic times and sites such as Machrie Moor with its standing stones and various hut circles spread around the island attest to this.

Over the history of its population it has been settled by various people and during the Viking period it was actually part of Norway.

Now, like many of the Scottish Islands the main industry is tourism and during the busy Summer period the population can swell from 5,000 to nearer 15,000.

The vast majority of the population live on the more fertile South of the Isle of Arran, with the main places being Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay and Shiskine. The North of the island is much more sparsely populated with Lochranza being the largest village, at around 300 people.

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As this site builds we will be adding much more information to help you enjoy your time on Arran

The Magic of Arran

The Isle of Arran does seem to have a magical charm about it. Many people have fallen in love with the island and moved here to start a new life. Others return year after year for holidays and short breaks.

What is it that gives it such an appeal? For some it's the wonderful wildlife, for others it's the stunning scenery. The relaxed pace of life on the island is a great antidote to the rush of modern life. Things happen in Arran time.

5 Things That Say To You 'This is my Arran'

It might be the deer in Lochranza, the view of Goatfell from the ferry or a favourite place to stay. Why not share with us 5 things that sum up Arran to you.
The best entries will have their own page on the website.
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Scotland in Miniature

The Isle of Arran is often quoted in tourist literature as being 'Scotland in Miniature' due to the Highland Boundary Fault which runs through the middle of the Island. Like mainland Scotland this has resulted in the South being lower lying and more fertile whilst the North is more rugged and mountaineous.

Huttons Unconformity

Others claim that the miniature refers to the midges, the lack of pubs and the length of the summer !

The highest point on Arran is Goatfell at 2866 feet (873 metres) and there are several other peaks of more than 2000 feet.

The Fault does mean that for Geologists it is a place of great importance and the first tap of the Geologists hammer is seen by some as the first sign of Spring

Near Lochranza is Huttons Unconformity which is a place of great importance for Geologists. It was here that James Hutton found an unconformity where vertical Cambrian Schist overlays horizontal Red Sandstone. This was evidence that the Earth was much older than had been thought.