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.

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.