And your holiday really does begin here.

Friendly staff, great fresh coffee, dog friendly and that amazing feeling of 'leaving it all behind' and heading off to one of Scotland's most accessible islands.

Caledonian MacBrayne operate regular daily trips to and from the Isle of Arran from the port at Ardrossan in North Ayrshire, and fares are now substantially reduced. Cars are over 50% cheaper (compared to a standard single) whilst passengers are nearly 30% better off.

Beach, fell, forrest or path, it's going to be a good one, and Arran certainly has something for everyone no matter what your ability is. The mighty Goatfell rising to 874 meters or the gentle flat stroll along 'Fisherman's Walk' and many more in-between

Kit out the children (yes it might rain!) and they'll forget their game wizards and iboxes (sic) as they get immersed in the wonderment of waterfalls and wildlife.
.

Yes, Arran does a fantastic job with locally produced fare, but don't think our island is behind the times when it comes to creating mouth watering contemporary dishes in great surroundings.

Wherever you are on Arran you will not be far away from a cafe, bistro or restaurant that prides itself on preparing fresh ingredients with a touch of creative flare.

Do check on opening times if you are visiting out of season!

And you have so much to choose from!

The north of the island, in and around Lochranza, you are bound to come across Red Deer.These will be either roaming the fell on the way to 'Fairy Dell' or on the golf course, and if you are really lucky you may just get a glimpse of the Golden Eagles by the distillery.

Although found in other areas of the coast, Seals are best discovered on the outcrops of rock in the south at Kildonan Bay.

In Brodick, on the 'Fisherman's Walk', you could be only meters away from one or two Herons, and really the list goes on; Red Squirrel; Sea Otters; Harriers; Dolphins; Gannets . . . 

I don't think I'm going to shatter anyone's illusions by saying that if you visit Arran in Autumn you may get a shower or two!

The great thing about island weather, is one minute is never the same as the next and sunshine with rain equals rainbows. If you're fortunate you may get a full panorama like this one, or maybe a double arc heavily saturated against a moody black sky.

Enjoy them!

Well at least I'd like to think so

The urge to create, be spontaneous. A chance for uninhibited 'non corrective' and self indulgent play. At school there is always someone looking over your shoulder, but here the materials are free, the canvas is enormous and you don't need a rubber!

According to the HistoryHouse the words Sand Castle, came into use in print in the 19th century and a book entitled 'Conversation of a father and his Children' has the illustration below and was published in 1838.
Sand castle building competitions began at seaside resorts by the end of the century. In 1900, one competition created controversy in Rhyl, North Wales. The company of Bovril sponsored a sand castle building completion, and their name had to be used on the castle. A few days later a whisky company sponsored a similar competition, again their name had to be included which did not go down well with the temperance movement! 

So the pastime has been around for many holidays. Countless children, helped, or not, by countless parents, some enthusiastically instigating projects on a scale worthy of planning permission (see above). Tides will ebb and tides will flow. Desires to hold back the sea will be dashed, and creations on beaches across the world will be wiped clean, a fresh slate for the uninhibited artist of tomorrow.

Did you know that Brodick Castle and Country Park is unique in being the only island country park in Britain?

Standing majestically in the foreground of Arran's highest mountain Goatfell, and with commanding views across Brodick Bay over to the Ayrshire mainland, the property oozes heritage and style in line with it's 800 year origins.

A great family day out. For rainy days or sunny days. Landscaped gardens, waterfalls, woodland trails and wildlife ponds are all to be found within the castle grounds. Inside are all the usual - and unusual! - artefacts associated with castle treasures and the family's history.

And you can even get married there! Wedding details.

We all know the benefits of joining the National Trust, but it may be surprising to hear that if you join the Scottish National Trust you will receive all the benefits of membership, including access to all UK locations, while saving a substantial amount on your annual fee.

As a comparison at the time of writing, a family membership (2 adults and 4 children) would cost you £98* per year on the UK site, however the same membership on NTS is a huge £31 cheaper at only £67!

We joined the NT at Brodick Castle as a family back in 1998 and for many years, as the children grew up, we enjoyed access to superb locations all across the UK. I recall the only reduction to the membership was the lack of a hand book, but with internet and a little planning the saving should buy you coffee and cakes all round!

*NB there is a discount if paid via DD for the first year but this does not continue for subsequent renewals.

Looking exceedingly beautiful in summer, this basalt cliff is one of the great features of a walk from Blackwaterfoot to the Kings Caves at Machrie (just visible on the far left of the picture).

The walk can begin at the car park at Machrie, 3k north on the A841 from Blackwaterfoot, or indeed from the village. Taking roughly 3 - 4 hours this is a round walk, which is well marked, covering approximately 5 miles. When approaching 'The Doon' your choices are the lower boulder path by the shore, a relatively easy but narrow path at the base of the cliff (not accessible in summer), or a route around the rear and over the top.

One of the benefits of beginning at the Machrie, maybe the tempting scones and coffee freshly made at 'Felicity's' by the golf course, or for those of a more hungry nature a varied lunch menu!

How bright on the blue
Is a kite when it's new!

With a dive and a dip
It snaps its tail
Then soars like a ship
With only a sail

As over tides
Of wind it rides,

Climbs to the crest
Of a gust and pulls,
Then seems to rest
As wind falls.

When string goes slack
You wind it back

And run until
A new breeze blows
And its wings fill
And up it goes!

How bright on the blue
Is a kite when it's new!

But a raggeder thing
You never will see
When it flaps on a string
In the top of a tree.

And just look at the proposed weather for the day according to the BBC - so sun hats and sun creams will be the order of the day!

Beautifully filmed and narrated, this video from the Arran Whisky company at Lochranza is a joy to watch, and with a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence awarded for 2014, the distillery has got to be a location to visit when on the island. For more information see their website at: ArranWhisky.com for daily tours and to view their wonderful selection of Malts.