Schools out for summer

VISITSCOTLAND’S iCentre staff are helping visitors get the best out of the summer across Ayrshire & Arran.

For the first time since the pandemic people can enjoy unrestricted access to festivals, arts and cultural attractions taking place.

Staff from the information centre in Brodick are on hand to offer their expert advice and guidance to visitors on what’s on, where to stay, how to get around, suggestions for souvenirs and where to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

VisitScotland staff are encouraging visitors to explore what the region has to offer, as part of their trip to Scotland. An important part of the iCentre’s role is helping visitors to enjoy the area responsibly, by linking visitors with local tourism businesses and sharing information on some of the hidden gems that can be enjoyed.

Upcoming events to look out for include the Arran Farmers Show and Brodick Highland Games.

Scotland’s Year of Stories is in full swing, celebrating the tales, myths and legends that reflect who we are and shape how others see us. For those travelling around Ayrshire & Arran, Shadows of the Past trail in Ayr and Alloway gives visitors the chance to discover the characters from Ayr’s Myths, Legends and History, part of Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire, supported by EventScotland for Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Arran Faerie Tales take visitors on a journey through Arran’s magical, mysterious woodland. West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited (Craft Town Scotland) are hosting a series of exhibitions at the Barony Centre, both part of the Year of Stories Community Stories Fund programme.

Assistant iCentre Manager, Nines Jarreta said: “It is fantastic to welcome back visitors from near and far.

“We play an important part in the community here on Arran and we would encourage locals and visitors alike to pop in for information about local businesses and attractions. “Our friendly team of experts are able to assist in any way we can and help visitors make the most of their stay in Arran and beyond.”

Some great recommendations from the Brodick iCentre team:

• Arran Geopark walks to meet with Arran’s unique geology, giant millipede footprints and a fossilized lightning strike www.arrangeopark.co.uk
• The 184th Arran Show in Lamlash on 3rd August to see the best of farming and local produce including the famous line of tractors. The Arran Show | Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Dogs, 184th year
• Follow in the footsteps of iconic artists inspired by the landscape by finding the waymarkers on the Arran Arts Heritage Trail whilst visiting contemporary studios of artists working now in many media
• on Arran (Arran Open Studios 12th-15th August Arran Open Studios, Arran – Visual Arts |VisitScotland
• Discover destinations such as Eas Mòr waterfall and library in the woods at Kildonan or Glen Catacol with its white granite pools and the Arran Whitebeam. Ride in Scotland’s only adventure Mercedes Unimog to explore the stunning Glenashdale Falls and a 5000-year-old chambered cairn www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/isle-of-arran-mogabout-beach-forest-lagg-distillery-safari-a18cbf2d
• Visit the Coast Octopus Centre to learn all about Arran’s marine protected area and the sea creatures that live in it COAST Discovery Centre, Lamlash – Marine Life Centres| VisitScotland

For more information on VisitScotland’s iCentres, go to: www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-information/vic/ For more ideas on things to do on Arran visit https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/arran/see-do/