After the closure 200 year old whiskey bottling plant was announced by Diageo, the hunt began for a new place to set up a bottling plant. The project is being spearheaded by Gerald Michaluk, managing director of Marketing Research Services, the company that bought the Arran Brewery from Richard and Elisabeth Roberts in May 2008. He expects production to begin on the 8.45 hectare site as early as mid 2010. Already, there are plans underway to induct the skilled labour of the demised Johnny Walker factory into the new one.

Presently, Arran beer is brewed at Cladach, and transported in 180 barrel tankers to Dunbar and Hartlepool for bottling. However, the Bellhaven plant at Dunbar- where the famed Red Squirrel beer is bottled- is due to be shut down in December, so the company will need to find a temporary bottling plant until the one in Ayr commences operation.

Arran Brewery started full production on February 2000. Its Arran Blone and Arran Ale have been award winning brews for their fine quality.

The Lamlash Splash is a yearly event held for hardy swimmers to make the crossing over the open sea from Holy Isle to Lamlash for the sake of raising money for charity. The challenge is grueling enough in itself, but what is most surprising is the number of courageous success stories that come out of such events.

Take for instance Dawn Ulivi, a mother of three, who raised over £700 for diabetes charity in doing the swim. Her daughter’s friend, three-year-old Daisy Slatter, was diagnosed with diabetes last year, making her one of the youngest persons in Scotland to have the disease.

Or consider Rory Hunter, who completed the 1.3 mile sea crossing and won the Ali Bodie Memorial Trophy for showing the most character out of all the swimmers… and he is all of 12 years old. Alison “Ali” Bodie happened to have been an extraordinarily courageous woman who did the sea crossing twice, despite having terminal cancer. Her family donates the trophy to the recipients.

This year’s event was won by Fergus Sim. Although the Splash is not competitive in nature, the Glasgow based tri-athlete wowed everyone present by his blistering speed.

He was the pilot of the Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter dispatched from HMS Gannet at Prestwick to rescue the crew of the yacht which ran aground on Horse Island. A Royal Navy spokesperson commended his bravery in rescuing the hapless yachtsmen, braving the rage of a tumultuous sea in the middle of inky darkness to reach the yacht- which was in danger of breaking up any moment- injuring his own hand in the process, fighting through “four metre seas with total disregard for his own safety to save the lives of the yachtsmen”.

Wiggy Wigfull is originally from Sheffield, but presently resides in Troon with his wife and children.

Horse Island is a tiny bit of land which the Arran ferry passes by five times a day on her way to the Ardrossan breakwater, so the grounded yacht was spotted by several of the ferry passengers. The 36 foot yacht was finally salvaged by a lifeboat crew several days later.

Earlier in the 19th century, Arran housed over fifty whisky distilleries but most of them operated illegally in order to avoid the taxmen. Even though the malt from Arran is considered to be one of the best malts in the nation, the distilleries preferred to remain illegal and catered to a select few by shipping the malt to the mainland where it was enjoyed by those who regularly “took to the Arran waters”.  There was a time when it was regarded highly, as the best in Scotland with its closest competition coming from  the “Glen of Livet”.

The water for the Arran single malt is taken from the Loch na Davie. Washed by the warm waters of Gulf Stream, the water around Arran enjoys a microclimate which is ideal for the swift maturation of single malt whiskies. The water from the Loch na Davie, high in the hills that overlook the village of Lochranza on the North coast of Arran has been scientifically proved to be the purest in the entire Scottish nation.

Among others, Loch Ranza and Holy Isle Cream Liquor are the top blends that use whisky of Arran.

After enjoying a one hour ferry journey to the Island you can book into an accommodation in Brodick, pre-booked preferably. From there you can travel north – with an option to go over Goat Fell if the weather is good – and then onto Lochranza via Sannox. Do not miss out on the views looking north up Loch Fyne towards the highlands as they are all breathtaking.

Once you are done with that, you can head to the west side to Kilmory via Blackwaterfoot, the stretch opposite Mull of Kintyre is mesmerizing and very romantic. Southern Arran is not as mountainous as the rest of the island. You could then take the Whiting Bay route and head towards Brodick for the night. The entire trip will be one unforgettable experience on one of Scotland’s best islands, an experience that you may want to repeat.

If you would like a local to handle it for you, there are several tourist websites that offer a wide range of itineraries from 4 to 7 days of walking on a self guided basis. Holiday packages on offer feature hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, country inns and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers different features from fishing to cycling, take a quick look and find out the one that’s best for you.

During the second world war, Lamlash held the anchorage to its naval services and today is home to an exclusive yachting outfit in Arran. Kildonan is located in the southeast corner and gives the most gorgeous views and peaceful atmosphere. Blackwaterfoot is the most populated area on the western side of Arran and is home to the Shiskine Golf Club.

Pirnmill is a tranquil and soothingly calm village with rocky shores and beautiful sandy beaches. The region of Corrie can boast of its two quaint, small harbors and is home to a very small village. Lastly but not least is the region of Sannox. During the time of the Vikings, this region was known as “sand-vik” which means sandy bar. This region also gives breathtaking views and has a nice nine hole course of golf.

No matter what region of the Isle of Arran you find yourself in, it will prove to be memorable since all the island’s regions have a rich background in culture and diversity. The Isle of Arran and its regions have a mystical feel to them that takes you back to times of many years past. Wildlife in any region of the Isle of Arran is abundant on land and in the sea.

Some of the regions, moreso than others, house more shops, restaurants and accommodations for visitors. You will notice that there are many bed and breakfast nooks in the places where you can’t find a hotel or larger outfit of lodging. A bed and breakfast is great if you want to experience the life and people up close and personal. They are also great for letting you experience a more laid-back island stay. All of these regions offer something for everyone. While staying there you can easily visit them all using the ferry and speed boats that are readily available to take people on board for a little island hopping.

Blackwaterfoot, Brodick, Catacol, Cladach, Corrie, Kildonan, Kilmory, Lagg, Lamlash, Lochranza, Machrie, Pirnmill, Sannox, Shiskine, Sliddery, Whitefraland, and Whiting Bay. As is evidenced by that list, there are many quaint and comprehensive little places to journey to.

Blackwaterfoot is a smaller village in the southwestern corner of the island. It is also home to a very unique 12-hole golf course. If you’re looking for a game but want a bit of something different, this may be the spot for your next holiday. Drumadoon Point is also home to the island’s largest Iron Age fort. Take a few steps further north, and you’ll find a place called King’s Cave, the alleged hiding place of Robert the Bruce many centuries ago.

With a backdrop of Goatfell, the largest mountain on the island, Brodick is a popular tourist destination. Brodick Castle, home to the Dukes of Hamilton, is an appealing stop for many tourists. The village possesses several of the island’s busiest hotels and many Italian and Chinese restaurants. If brewing is your thing, Claddach might be your best bet. Home of the Arran brewery, this facility makes an assorted selection of ales that are sold throughout the UK. Lamlash, the largest settlement on the island with a population of slightly more than 1000 residents, is just a short 4 miles south of Brodick. Facing Holy Isle, one of a few holy places in the island chain and owned by Tibetian monks, Lamlash has an incredible view over Lamlash Bay. A short distance away stand the Standing Stones and Stone Circles, rings of stones dating from the Bronze Age, has proven to have irresistable appeal to many visitors.

As you see, these are just a few of the names this fantastic island has to offer for village destinations. From Highlands to lowlands, springs to breweries, you will find it all in the many villages of Arran.

Caladonian MacBryane runs from Claonaig on the coast of Kintyre to Lochranza, on the north side of Arran. They run around nine trips per day, seven days a week. The trips take 30 minutes and space is very limited due to it being a rather small vessel.

Hopping over to Arran, as well as Brodick, from the side of Ardrossan couldn’t be simpler via the constant ferry service through Caledonian MacBrayne. Nine ferries a day leave from Ardrossan to Brodick and vice versa in the top of the summer season. The ferry trip takes about an hour, making daylight trips preferable. Motor homes aren’t that much more expensive than cars if you are on a motor holiday. It is a nice way to travel that won’t break the bank.

If you are planning on a few trips, you may want to invest in one of the Island Hopscotch or Island Rover tickets. They are available for numerous journeys between any of the islands and will save you more money than getting the tickets separately for each trip. So check the website or call the particular ferry service you choose to confirm the exact details for the crossings that you choose.

Taking a trip through the beautiful islands, between them, and back home has never been easier than it is today. Take a day out to recharge yourself, or gather up the kin and make an outing of it. Either form you choose, it’s a spectacle to behold and one that wll linger in your memory. Ferry rides are a beautiful and cost effective way to provide entertainment for the entire family. Quick, simple, easy. It will be unforgettable, and your brood will be most appreciative.

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.