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The Isle of ArranScotland in MiniatureBy Caroline M. Jackson
When I was a wee girl, our annual summer exodus from Glasgow down the Firth of Clyde to Arran was a major undertaking complete with cabin trunks, bicycles, flasks of hot tea and enough egg-and-cress rolls to feed a Highland regiment. The entire journey took half a day. Nowadays the train and ferry trip takes less than two hours.
The heavy bulk of our Caledonian MacBrayne ferry chugged its way towards the brick-red sands of Brodick so named from the Old Norse word meaning ‘broad bay’. As we docked at the pier, upturned faces filled with expectancy searched the rails for expected visitors. Ropes were affixed to hawsers by sturdy Scots who sported navy T-shirts with Cal-Mac emblazoned on the front. The Royal Mail van stood at the ready to collect parcels from the mainland.
Arran is a popular destination for hill walkers and climbers. Springy purple heather carpets much of the moorlands and fresh green bracken offers a hiding place for brown hares and rabbits. Black-faced sheep dot the fields and for hikers, there are many wooden stiles to be crossed. Favorite routes include Glen Rosa, Glen Sannox, Cir Mhor and Holy Isle. Sports aficionados will want to try some fishing and play a round of golf on one of the many challenging courses.
On my final evening while travelling along Arran’s most northerly road, I spotted some movement on the hillsides – a herd of magnificent red deer who, having caught my scent, ascended to the highest ridge. My last memory of Arran was watching a row of moving antlers outlined against a dimming sky. It is a sight I will never forget. Travel tips:In the summer, the midges can be troublesome so bring insect repellant. Attire: good walking shoes and rain gear. Arran adventures: http://www.arranadventure.com National Trust: http://www.nts.org.uk Information: Visit Britain: 1-888-VISIT UK http://www.visitbritain.com Images by Hamish M.
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TM
My diminutive Scottish
granny always told me that good things come in small packages and the Isle
of Arran, dubbed ‘Scotland in Miniature’ is no exception. Studded with
craggy mountains, bracken-clad moors, castles and a history as colorful as
the kilt, it has come by its name honestly. 
After boarding our ferry the “Caledonian Isles”
at the Ardrossan terminal, an eclectic bunch of day trippers gathered on the
upstairs deck to watch the Ayrshire coastline slowly disappear in a misty
haze. Feeling the chill wind cutting through my Shetland sweater, I
headed below deck where I gingerly picked my way through a forest of golf
bags, fishing rods, tripods and bulky rucksacks. The only spare seat was
beside a weather-beaten shepherd and his
high-strung black and
white collies. Standing beside me was a covey of dog-collared Presbyterian ‘men
of the cloth’. They were on their way to visit Holy Isle which once
Christian, is now a Buddhist retreat. 
One by one I noticed people heading towards the
outside decks. It was time to check out the scenery as we neared Arran. It
was a splendid sight. The Island’s highest mountain, Goat Fell (873 meters)
hove into view. Swathes of bracken-clad hills fell away from its
rock-strewn flanks and merged with the coastal woodlands. Many years ago, my
parents had met in the mists atop this mountain. It was so clammy that my
mother’s waist-length tresses hung like a wavy curtain but a romance that
was to last a lifetime was not to be dampened. 
For a glimpse of local
history, I spent an hour or so at the nearby Heritage Museum which is
situated in an 18th century croft farm. To turn the clock back
even further, visitors can drive to the west side of the island and walk to
the Bronze Age stone circles at Machrie Moor which are evocative of
Stonehenge.
In other parts of the island, there are many burial chambers left behind by
Neolithic and bronze-age people.
A highlight for all
ages is an afternoon visit to South Bank Farm to watch sheep dog
demonstrations.
Afterwards you can drop into the Torrylinn Creamery to buy some Arran
cheese. Local fare includes blue goat’s milk cheese called “Glenshant”,
Island cream with oatmeal and Brodick blue.
For a picturesque
daytrip, take a bus, drive or cycle round the island’s 100 km of coastline.
Dotted around the perimeter are many unspoiled seaside villages – perfect
spots to enjoy afternoon tea or visit craft stores which display local
paintings, pottery, jewellery and wood carvings. There’s Kildonan with its
seal rocks; the sheltered village of Lagg renowned for its palm trees; Blackwaterfoot with its
popular golf course; 
Lochranza with its 14thC. ruined castle made famous by
Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem ‘Lord of the Isles’ written in 1814.