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.

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.

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.

The Isle of Arran, which is one of Scotland’s most visited islands, is located just southwest of the Scotland coast and is about an hour by ferry. Often referred to as a ‘Little Scotland’ or ‘Scotland in miniature’, the island is home to a long and storied history. Dotted with mountains and smaller hills, the island is often referred to as the “Sleeping Warrior” because of the resemblance is has to a person lying down. Much of this is the reason that many travelers come to the Isle. Other reasons are for the opportunity to hike the hills, ride quad bikes through the winding coastal, and inland roads, as well as relaxing with leisurely strolls on the beach.

To truly enjoy this type of landscape and incredible history, the Isle of Arran has one of the world’s premier resorts in the Auchrannie Resort. Boasting two separate four star hotelsand world class self-catering lodges, you find yourself pampered from the time you arrive until the time you leave. Many visitors to the Auchrannie Resort claim they miss the place within minutes of their departure.

Befitting of mostly larger and better known resorts of the world, the Auchrannie delivers the utmost in leisure, dining, and relaxation. Visitors have the option of either staying within one of the two hotels or being able to have breathtaking view in the rustic, country style lodges. These options make it easy for the visitor to either take in the relaxation and leisure, or the adventurous sides of the Isle of Arran.

Many people go to the contemporary resort and spa for many reasons including engagement celebrations and wedding anniversaries. With everyone, the results are mostly the same. Great service with a great attitude among the staff. Surrounded by centuries of history, Brodick Castle, several historic caves, and ancient places; it is not hard to see why many people like to call the Auchrannie Resort a home away from home. To book a room at the Auchrannie Resort or to check availability:

Auchrannie Road
Brodick
North-Ayrshire
KA27 8BZ

Our Spa Resort is a unique blend of traditional values of service and quality as well as effortless style, which is reflected in the dignified Scottish Baronial Faade and the soft contemporary interiors.As you would expect from Auchrannie, great care has been taken when designing the interiors of the Spa Resorts 36 spacious bedrooms to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. All bedrooms have en suite facilities, colour television, direct dial telephone, self monitoring baby listening, hairdryer, fridge and teacoffee making facilities as standard. All rooms sleep a family of up to 4 people and are equipped to four star lodge classification.