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.

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.