Isle of Arran (Lochranza-Lamlash-Brodick, Scotland)

Isle of Arran is the largest island in Firth of Clyde and Scotland's 7th largest. Arran island covers a total area of approx 432 km2 (167 mi2) and has population around 5,000.

By size, the list of main (largest) Firth of Clyde Islands is as follows: Arran (432 km2), Bute (122 km2), Great Cumbrae (11,7 km2), Holy Isle (2,5 km2), Little Cumbrae (3 km2), Sanda (1,3 km2), Ailsa Craig (1 km2). Firth of Clyde Islands are Scotland's 5th largest island group - after the Hebrides (Inner and Outer), Orkneys and Shetlands. Administratively, they are part of Argyll and Bute.

Although physically and culturally similar to Hebrides, Arran Island is separated from them by the Kintyre Peninsula. The island has been continuously inhabited since early Neolithic times. As of the 6th century, peoples coming from Ireland colonised the island and it became a major religious centre. During the Viking Age, Arran was owned by Norway, until the 13th century when it was formally added to the territories of Scotland.

In recent years, the local population and economy have recovered, with the major industry being tourism. Among Arran's main tourist attractions is the Brodick Castle (owned by National Trust for Scotland) and the Auchrannie Resort (has 2 hotels, 2 leisure complexes, 3 restaurants). The latter is among the largest employers on the island. Other larger local businesses are the Arran Distillery (established 1995 in Lochranza) and Arran Aromatics (toiletries producer).

Arran Island also has several golf courses, including the 12-hole Shiskine Links (opened in 1896).

(NEW) Brodick Ferry Terminal (Arran Island)

Currently, Arran Island is linked with mainland Scotland via two car and passenger ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, MV Catriona ship serves it during summer only (leaving from Lochranza to Claonaig). MV Caledonian Isles ship leaves out of Brodick to Ardrossan. MV Isle of Arran ship offers additional service leaving from Brodick to Ardrossan in the summer. Summer day cruises are available on the paddle steamer PS Waverley. Summertime service is operated by local residents and links Lamlash with the neighbouring Holy Isle.

On April 12, 2018, was officially opened the new Brodick Ferry Terminal - a GBP 30 million port development and infrastructure upgrade project in Brodick's harbour area.

Most of the dredged and excavated seabed material was used to fill the marshalling area. The excess material was donated for use in Brodick Beach's recovery. Next YouTube video is a drone footage of the harbour area during Brodick Ferry Terminal's construction.

Isle of Arran's ferry terminal provides modern facilities to boost the local economy and support the island's thriving tourism industry.

• Construction works in the harbor were conducted by CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) and started in January 2016. Terminal's main facility is the new 2-berth pier (length 110 m / 361 ft) with capacity to accommodate the dual-fuel new ferry ship MV Glen Sannox (built 2018, owned by Caledonian MacBrayne.
• The new terminal also has a dedicated berth for PS Waverley, but also serves cruise ships and other commercial vessels.
• The 2-storey passenger terminal building houses departure lounge (capacity 120 seats), tickets office, public restrooms, harbor staff offices. The building is covered with photovoltaic roof tiles (generating all the needed for the building electricity). Terminal's biomass heating system is fuelled by locally sourced wood chips. The terminal also features natural ventilation system, on-site segregated bike lanes, storage.
• The outdoor marshalling area features 6 lanes (cargo capacity 895 lanemetres) for vehicles and trucks, 6 bus stops (with 2 shelters) and dedicated ferry parking (capacity 65 cars, with electric vehicle charging points).

Isle of Arran cruise terminal

Isle of Arran tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Lochranza Castle