Arran has a strong heritage that dates back as far as the Stone Age, perhaps as far as 7000BC, and evidence of this can still be seen around the island. Machrie Moor has six stone circles and some of the stones are over 5 meters high! See Arran Activities
As part of the kingdom of Dalriada, through the Bronza and Iron Ages, Arran had Gaelic speaking inhabitants and was ruled by Ireland. In the 6th century, Christianity arrived 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 was also the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, most of whom used Brodick Castle for sporting and hunting purposes until the National Trust for Scotland acquired it in 1958.
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. You can see the monument to the families that were relocated in Lamlash, in front of Hamilton Terrace
The introduction of regular ferry sailings meant that Arran gradually began to build a reputation as a holiday destination by the early 20th century. The Heritage Museum at Rosaburn, Brodick offers an amazing insight into all of Arran’s fascinating history.
