Arran has a history that dates back as far as the Stone Age, perhaps as far as 7000BC, and today we can still see some of the structures created by its earliest inhabitants – look at Machrie Moor.

Arran was originally part of the kingdom of Dalriada through the Bronze and Iron Ages – with Gaelic speaking inhabitants being ruled from Ireland. In the 6th century, Christianity arrived on the island with the founding of a monastery by St Brendan at Kilpatrick. The Old Clachan Church has been recently renovated and is one of the oldest preaching houses on Arran – well worth a visit! www.shiskinevalley.org

As the years passed, Arran fell into the hands of Viking invaders, the Celts, the English, and the Stewart and MacDonald Clans. Like so much of Scotland, there is a rich heritage of feuds, battles and complex politics to be found on Arran! 

Arran has always had a small population, but the imposed evictions of the Highland Clearances in the 1800s meant that many islanders had to set sail to North America in search of a better life. There’s a monument in Lamlash at the front of Hamilton Terrace to commemorate those Arran families who left for a new life.

The introduction of regular ferry sailings meant that Arran gradually began to build a reputation as a holiday destination by the early 20th century – and that reputation still stands today!

You can find out much more about Arran’s fascinating history at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, just north of Brodick. www.arranmuseum.co.uk