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 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.

The buildings surrounding the museum were a farmhouse or homestead and had a smiddy, laundry house and a milk house among other buildings used for the good of the farm. The museum’s exhibits, deal mostly with the history and the islands evolution over the years.

The museum has everything you will need to find out about the island’s inhabitants of years gone by as well as the inhabitants of today and it even offers many surprises. The lush, green grounds that the museum and buildings rest on are worth the visit alone. Disabled people can easily access the facility and enjoy the touch exhibits. All areas of the museum that are open to the public are equipped for wheelchair access. If you need a wheelchair, they will even loan you one for use while you’re there.

Events and activities are well planned and there is something for every age group including pre-school children and families. The facility houses the wonderful Cafe Rosaburn restaurant, which allows you to have a spot of tea should you find yourself in need of a cup. There is also an on-site gift shop and picnic tables are available on their beautiful museum grounds. The Arran Heritage Museum makes it easy for you and your family to visit and spend a wonderful day with them, learning about the island’s rich cultural and diverse background.

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.

In 1307, the Scots regained control of the castle but in 1406 the castle sustained severe damage inflicted by English forces. Further destruction of the castle occurred in 1455 by John of Islay. Rebuilt in 1510 by the Earl of Arran, Brodick castle was again attacked by English forces during “Rough Wooing” of Mary Queen of Scots.

Besides the warring countries, Brodick Castle has also been in the thick of many religious battles. Through the 1600’s, several religious communities wanted to lay claim to the castle. Changing hands between the Episcopals and the Presbyterians, Brodick Castle was finally returned back into the hands of James Hamilton in 1643 at the beginning of the Scottish Civil War.

After its storied history between countries and religions, the castle began life as a hunting estate for the Duke of Hamilton. In the years following this, it was mainly used for sporting and hunting. In the nineteenth century it was primarily used as the residence of the oldest son the the 10th Duke. Through the years the title of the castle has passed through several generations of Dukes and was finally acquired by the National Trust for Scotland in 1958.