The Isle of Arran, 25 miles long and 10 miles wide, is often called “ Scotland in Miniature” because of its varied scenery - mountains, lochs, glens, moors, sandy beaches, and rocky coasts. Warmed by the Atlantic Drift (Gulf Stream), Arran has a climate for growing wonderful flowers, shrubs and trees including palm trees. Its gardens, such as those at Brodick Castle, are famous and gorgeous.

From Brodick we took the String Road across the center of the island to the Kinloch Hotel at Blackwaterfoot overlooking Kilbrannan Sound and our home for two nights. We greatly enjoyed the amenities of the hotel including the swimming pool and the views of water birds and seals.

September 20

This day was spent in taking a counter-clockwise, circle tour of the island. We enjoyed our visit to Brodick Castle, ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. The entry stairs displayed a huge collection of mounted deer heads. Various rooms were filled with antiques and paintings recounting the life and interests, such as horse racing, of this family.

The Castle was built on the site of a Viking fortress and parts of it date from the 13th Century. It stands on the east sidee of the Isle of Arran, overlooks Brodick Bay and has a view of 2866-foot Goatfell mountain. We especially enjoyed the lovely gardens with their wonderful blue hydrangeas. Our island tour included stops at Brodick for ice cream, lunch at Corrie and a visit to the Old Byre Showroom, Auchencar Farm, Machrie for knitted garments.