Isle of Arran tourist information

The stunning Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde is the jewel of North Aryshire, with its dramatic peaks dominating this beautiful coastal region.

Dotted with prehistoric remains and castles, the island has a hugely diverse range of landscapes and a fascinating past, being once in Viking hands. Arran is also one of the most accessible of the Scottish Islands, located in the South West and just a short trip from the city of Glasgow. Ferries run from Ardrossan and Claonaig on the mainland.

The main villages are Brodick, with its magnificent castle set in beautiful grounds, and the pretty village of Lamash lying on a bay looking out to Holy Isle, now a spiritual retreat with a Centre for World Peace and Health. Lochranza in the North West is also a picturesque place to explore, complete with the island's only whisky distillery and a romantic ruined castle on the lochside.

The rest of the island is more remote but easily explored on foot or on bike, from the rugged north to the softer hills in the south. Wildlife often seen on and around Arran includes otter, red deer, red squirrel and dolphin.