History of Arran
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.
Arran was 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. 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. However, the introduction of regular ferry sailings meant that Arran gradually began to build a reputation as a holiday destination by the early 20th century.
You can find out much more about Arran’s fascinating history at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, just north of Brodick.
