Located in the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran is known as the Sleeping Warrior because of its resemblance to a sleeping figure. The history and story of the Isle of Arran is full of conquest and ancient lore. From its Neolithic Age beginning, the Isle has seen many different groups of people and dialects along its shores.

It is likely that, before the Gaels came and brought their own language and customs, Arran was the home of a people called the Brythonic. Later in the history of the island, it came under rule by the Norwegians and they also brought their language and culture to the Isle. In fact, the Norse influence is still evident in the names of many towns and villages. Besides the Norwegian influences in the names, you can also see some Irish connotations. Places such as Fingal’s Cauldran show the Irish connection, as well as other places around the Isle.

Arran is littered with caves, and some of these take prominent places in history. Two of which are the 110 foot cave where it is said that Robert the Bruce sough refuge and the caves beneath Keil Point contain slabs that may have been ancient altars. Many storied peoples have crossed through the Isle of Arran through to the mainland. This evidence is seen in stone pillars, cave paintings, and artifacts found along the rocky shoreline.

The Isle has been in the possession of many countries and peoples. Following the rule of the Gaels, the island was under Norse rule. After that, the Scots took control only to lose it to the English. After some time, the Scots were able to take back their islands and continue to control it to this day.

Mostly a tourism area, the Isle of Arran, does have some businesses and residences. Scattered across the Isle are a several hotels and complexes for the tourists and several residences for the workers of the businesses and resorts. Famed Scottish playwright, Robert McLellan, one of the island’s more famous inhabitants, wrote many of his successful plays and poems there.