The village of Lochranza, though lesser known than the resort villages of Brodick and Lamlash, is still one of the most scenic places to be in all of Scotland. The place is renowned for more than just the fine whisky of its famed distilleries- the hills of Lochranza abound with deer, and on the shores of the Loch Ranza (from which the village takes its name), some 15 miles north of Brodick, stands the ruins of the ancient Lochranza Castle.

The Lochranza Castle was a tower house built early in the thirteenth century, when it was owned by the Clan Sweeny. It is believed that Robert the Bruce landed at Lochranza in 1306 on his return form Ireland to claim the Scottish throne. By 1371, the castle has become the property of Robert II, and in the 16th century it was almost completely rebuilt. It was occupied in 1614 by troops of James VI, and in 1650 by the forces of Oliver Cromwell. In 1705, the Castle was purchased by the Duchess of Hamilton, but became abandoned and fell into disrepair later in the eighteenth century. But even in its present ruinous state, the imposing, brooding castle still dominates the southern side of the Loch, standing aloof on a curved shingle spit that stretches into the water.

The Lochranza Castle has had a rich and varied past. In its time, it has been used as a royal hunting lodge, as a military base of operations… and even, according to some, as the inspiration behind the now-fabled castle of the The Black Island of the adventures of the eponymous Tintin. No one may know for sure, of course. That is a question best left to the opinions of those who go see it for themselves. For them, the Lochranza Castle still waits, forsaken, forbidding, but still-proud reminder of a distant past, nested amidst the still waters, rolling green hills and the fierce, jagged mountains of Lochranza.
Image: Flickr

The Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, is a place that everyone should visit if they ever have the chance. The museum deals with much of the archives, archeology, geology and genealogy concerning the Isle of Arran and has an a good number of archived exhibits.

The museum has scheduled lots of events for the 2009 season. The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm until Sunday 25th October 2009. Founded in 1976, this wonderful museum first opened it’s doors to the public in 1979. Located on the main Road in Rosaburn, it is just a little ways north of the Brodick region of Arran and less than two miles from the Calmac terminal. A tiny school house once occuppied the site where the museum now sits. Read the full story

On the reverse of the British pound note is an illustration of Brodick Castle. It began its illustrious history as a fortress built in the early fifth century. Located outside of the port of Brodick on the Scotland’s Isle of Arran, Brodick Castle has had its share of inhabitants. Beginning in the fifth century with Gaelic invaders, Brodick Castle has played a big part of history in that region of Europe.

After the Gaels had been there in the tenth century, Norse influence came upon the small Scottish island while it was under the nominal rule of the King of Norway. The castle’s position and the strategic advantage of that position made it a sought-after stronghold through the ages. By the 1200’s, the Isle of Arran had become very popular even as the Scots and the Norse battled for control of it. In 1266, after several attempts by Scottish kings to take back control of the island, they finally succeeded. Then, around the year 1295, the English gained control of the castle. Read the full story