A Day on the Island: Arran

Who doesn’t love saying that they’re heading to an island for the day? Now it’s your turn. Leave the bustling city of Glasgow behind for the day and head with us to Scotland in Miniature. The Isle of Arran has everything that makes Scotland lovable. 

You depart Glasgow and head for the coastal town of Ardrossan where you jump on the ferry. This is a beautiful crossing, so get your cameras out, and see if you can spot jellyfish and dolphins along the way.

The ferry touches down in Brodick, Arran’s biggest collection of shops and restaurants. It’s a wee place, just like the whole island, but that’s what we love about Arran. A short drive down the road takes you to the gates of Brodick Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. 

The castle’s interior could not be further from the surrounding gardens. Inside you’ll find rich Victorian decorations, dark wood, intricately decorated furniture, everything so dramatic and powerful. Make sure you have a chat with the staff inside, they’re full of stories about those who once lived there. For much of its life, the castle has been owned by the Hamilton family and some even say that, to this day, it is haunted by the ‘Grey Lady’, a woman who starved to death in the dungeons of the castle.

Not so cheerful. But then you step outside and explore both the formal garden and the beautiful woodland trails that hug you from all sides

After a bite to eat, you hop back on the bus and are whisked away to explore more of this beautiful island. But where will you stop? Perhaps you’ll pop in at Lochranza, a quaint village that is home to a ruined castle. Or maybe you’ll swing via Blackwaterfoot, grab a pastry from the local bakery, and have a wee wander along the beach. 

By the time you jump back on the ferry at Brodick later that afternoon, you’ll feel as though you know Arran a little bit better and you’ll certainly understand why so many love it fiercely. Maybe you’ll look back at the photos from the day, or perhaps you’ll snack on the cheese and chocolate you sourced from town, as you make your way back to Glasgow.