Whoops Arran, you did it again! Every year as a travel writing veteran of over 100 countries and myriad isles I descend on my favourite island in the world - Arran. I come in search of new or reborn things to experience and write about. Every year Arranachs insist not much has changed (the island’s bedrock of epic scenic beauty never does), but this no longer worries me. That is because every year I encounter a life-affirming swathe of new temptations to add to this Firth of Clyde oasis’ bountiful treasure trove. This year has proved no different. Here are 10 new reasons to head doon the watter to Arran.
1. The Geopark! – After a colossal effort spanning decades rather than years Arran finally snared coveted UNESCO Geopark status in 2025. It well deserves it as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ really is with a glorious smorgasbord of rocks and landscapes. It’s no surprise that Scottish geologist James Hutton came here to prove his theory of the earth being millions of older than previously thought. You can still visit ’Hutton’s Unconformity’ near Lochranza to see where time itself and our understanding of it was effectively born.
2. Enjoy Picnic – This new café comes from Stuart and Clair, who run Arran Botanical Drinks and are behind Arran’s beach bar near Brodick Castle. It wasn’t actually open yet during my visit, but the location is great in the old tourist information office on the pier in Brodick and with them involved I’ve every faith it will be a roaring success. Check it out when you visit, even if it’s just popping in while you’re waiting on the ferry.
3. New Zealand meets Scotland at Two and Coo. – Run by a bright, engaging Kiwi-Arranach couple, Duncan & Katie, this new coffee stop on the Brodick waterfront is superb. I loved their proper cortado and the salmon bagel with cream cheese and Arran beetroot chutney. Their cakes are glorious too – a highlight was New Zealand fave Lolly Cake – like Rocky Road on steroids! There are seats in the window too where you can peer out over Brodick Bay towards Goatfell.
4. Bash off with Arran Quad Bike Tours – This new outfit swish you off on four wheels exploring Arran. They were fully booked when I was on Arran, but I’ve spoken to a few people and they come highly recommended. Yet another different option on an island always adept at adding more choice. The tours are fully guided.
5. Groom a hairy horned cow! – Head to Hairy Coo Encounters at Maol Fold Farm in Machrie to try out Highland Cow grooming. You’re introduced to the herd and get to groom these hairy beasts with a wire brush. My first animal was wee Bramble, who seemed to love it as much as I did, though I was a bit unsure of her larger pals at first. Owner Andrew reassured us all and looked after us as we trooped over to a field to meet the rest of the hairy herd. Great fun.
6. Soothing sauna – How about a sauna session in Blackwaterfoot in the new Green Goddess Wild Sauna? It’s the second outdoor sauna to open in Arran after the also excellent Stonesthrow Sauna, which is great to see. The best plan is to enjoy a bracing dip in the sea off the sandy beach and then you’ll really appreciate the warmth of the wood-fired sauna. It’s meant to be beneficial to go back in the water and then back in the sauna, but it’s tempting just to sit in the cosy sauna. The sauna has great views over the beach too. Afterwards you feel amazing, though check if you’ve got any health conditions before you book.
7. Lochranza Country Inn – This pub closed before Covid and I feared it and its legendary whisky bar would be lost forever. It’s remarkable that the local community in Lochranza have rallied and it’s now open as an inn with rooms (two have great sea views) and a bar with a restaurant. I enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon lamb roast here washed down with vanilla cheesecake. Divine. There were guitars for punters to play so I imagine it gets busy and buzzing in the evening. It’s still got that great whisky selection too, including some rare malts from closed down distilleries on the mainland and the isles.
8. The Arran Butcher – I’ve long loved this proper butcher, but it was sometimes a bit of a trek to Blackwaterfoot to pick up his wares. It’s great then to see this new location at the heart of Brodick. You get proper produce here sourced and presented with love and care. I wish I had a butcher this good in my hometown on the fringes of Edinburgh. A must pop in kind of place.
9. Kildonan Café – It’s great to see a local community swinging into action again. This time it’s down in Arran’s south. This great wee café is the place to go for hot drinks and something sweet, or for lunch, if you’re down checking out the seal and beaches in this corner of Arran. There is a community shop that is well worth checking out as well.
10. Great baking! – I’ve long loved the life-affirming baking at Blackwater Bakehouse in Blackwaterfoot. And the great news is they are opening a new outlet at Home Farm in the revamped old Creelers premises at Home Farm. If you love your sourdough this will be an unmissable stop. Their bread is divine, as are sweet treats of the likes of poached pear and elderflower cream cakes, or Arran salmonberry and redcurrant Danish.
Further Information – www.visitarran.com. Make sure to pick up the Arran Island Guide from VisitArran, which has lashings more things to see, do and experience.
