During my time on the Isle of Arran, I wasn't actually on holiday but rather working at the Lochranza Field Studies Centre. Lochranza is a village located on the north of the island. It has a population of around 200 people, and as soon as there is an event on, you will see everyone attending. It's about a half hour drive from the main ferry port of Brodick, which
with a population of just over 600, makes it the main settlement on the
island.Days before my arrival in April 2013, the island had experienced the worst snow measured in 40 years with snow drifts of up to 20ft. Upon coming here, I asked myself "why would someone choose to visit the Isle of Arran on holiday?". Why would you go somewhere that's cold, uninhabited and most importantly - Scottish? During my time here that's exactly what I found out.
Wildlife
If you're an animal on the Isle of Arran, you have the life of riley. Spotting the island's wonderful creatures is easy because they have no fear of humans. Ok, so the sheep always ran away when I tried to hug them, but the deer graze the fields undisturbed and the occassional stag will even come up to your kitchen window for a cheeky snack. Seals and otters can regularly be seen in the water or lazing on the rocks. Owls, eagles and other birds are also a regular occurrence, making the island a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.Whisky
Lochranza is home to the Isle of Arran whisky distillery, where you can partake in a guided tour and whisky tasting while you learn the history and method of how it is made. Now it is the only distillery on the island, though Arran used to be home to about fifty distilleries - most of which operated illegally. If you can't get enough of the free tasters, head to the local pub hotel in Lochranza where the friendly landlord will share with you his own brew as well as offer advice and tastings on an entire wall full of different whiskies.
Hiking and walks
One of Arran's most persued activities (and most rescues needed) is hiking the vast landscapes and hills. Goat Fell marks the highest point on the island at 874m above sea level. It takes on average 5 hours to complete the climb, not including breaks. Not much of a hiker myself, but with a love of countryside walking, I would often take myself up a not-too-treacherous path in the hills in my spare time, watching for Golden Eagles and enjoying the stunning views.
Abseiling off a cliff edgeOne of the activities that my place of work had to offer, especially for families who came to visit during the school holidays, was abseiling. But not off a man-made structure like everyone has done before. No. This was abseiling off a large rock face. It makes for a much more interesting day out, as the journey to get to the abseil point follows along streams and hills, and a more challenging climb than the normal steps of an abseil tower. A number of other fun outdoor activities can also be done here with stunning settings, giving an experience to remember.
Ceilidh dancing
Something definitely to be experienced as it is a LOT of fun. Ceilidhs are a Gaelic tradition from Scotland and Ireland involving folk music from a live band and country dancing. They are still practised in some areas (mostly rural), and Arran is one of them. During the summer months, a Ceilidh will be held at the Lochranza village hall every week for residents and visitors to experience a taste of Scottish tradition. So get ya kilts out, guys!
Photography
One thing Arran is not short of is sensational views and a landscape that changes with every few steps you take. Every evening (on a sunny day) my bedroom would fill up with the most vibrant orange colour I've ever seen, and I'd run down to the harbour to capture the most breathtaking sunsets. The picture above is the actual colour and has not been edited at all. There is always a photo opportunity over every hill and round every corner, and that's why I made it a rule never to go out without my camera.
Brodick
If I wasn't wandering round aimlessly looking at sheep, I usually went to the port town of Brodick on my day off. This is where you will arrive when you catch the ferry over to the island from Ardrossan Harbour, and it's pretty much the only place you can go to spend money on things that aren't alcoholic. Brodick's main street along the beachfront holds a few cafés, eateries, shops, and the best fish and chips I've ever had - and also the first place I experienced the delights of a deep fried spicy haggis. Best enjoyed with plenty of salt, sitting outside in the fresh (cold) sea air. Brodick is one of the few places you will find a supermarket (though it is only a small co-op) and also an ATM. Walking further north from town you can find a few quaint shops selling gifts, luxury soaps and homemade scottish ice cream, fudge and tablet. Mmmmm...
Kayaking and watersports
Brave the cold seas and take a kayak out on the loch. The Gulf Stream supposedly brings in slightly warmer waters (though I'd much prefer it 20 degrees or more). But kayaking, canoeing and other water based activities are all to be enjoyed in the island's waters. For the adrenaline seekers, white water rafting and kayaking is an option down some of the rivers and streams.
Golf
If golfing is your thing, there are 6 golf courses on Arran - which to me seems an astonishing amount for a place with such a small population. But nevertheless it gives golfers something to experience no matter what part of the island you're staying on. For those less enthusiastic about the sport, the courses offer a nice walk surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Here I've summed up just a few things there are to do on this absolutely outstanding part of the UK that most Brits will never see. I only got to see half the island, so I'm sure there is so much more that I didn't have the chance to experience. It really is worth a trip up there, and would even be a perfect stop on a UK roadtrip where you can also see what else Scotland has to offer. Hopefully I'll find out for myself some day and I'll let you know.
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