‘Scotland in miniature’ A couple of years ago we were fortunate enough to visit the Isle of Arran on a number of occasions and we look forward to returning in 2015. You can arrive by ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick or Tarbert to Lochranza with CalMac http://www.calmac.co.uk/. When sailing from Ardrossan you will see this amazing and beautiful island in the distance, you may even spot dolphins. The island has a lot to offer, even just driving or cycling around you will see both fantastic scenery and amazing wildlife. While on the island I would recommend the following visits, Arran Whisky Distillery, Arran Brewery, Arran Aromatics, Arran Dairies, which sells amazing Arran Dairy Ice Cream, and of course that you climb Goatfell, along with many other great activities on the island visit http://www.visitarran.com/ During our first visit we enjoyed a few nights at Lochranza Campsite http://www.arran-campsite.com/ Which enjoy a lot of local wildlife, including deer grazing next to our tent and all over the local golf course and you may see the daily commute in Lochranza! There is also the Lochranza Castle ruin http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ Sunset over Holy Island, seen from Lamlash, where we stayed for one night during our second visit http://www.holyisland.org/ Never yet been to visit the island, maybe next time! We also had the pleasure of climbing Goatfell, the highest of the mountains on the island at 874m, this took us about 5 hrs round trip. Well worth the view at the top! http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/corbetts/goat-fell The island also hosts many great cafes and restaurants which serves delicious seafood’s, local cheeses and a lot more. 2011 was the year I visited my very first Whisky Distillery, Arran Whisky Distillery http://www.arranwhisky.com/ this was a true brilliant experience and I have never looked back since. This was also the first time I bought a bottle of Whisky, 14 year Arran, smooth and easy on the palate. The view of Goatfell from Brodick, the biggest village on the island During our visit we also enjoyed the costal walk, which took us to the King’s Caves. It is said that Robert the Bruce used the cave while on the run from the English.

Much more to be explored and photographed when we return in March, 2015!