Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the village of Lamlash. This is located on the east coast of the Isle of Arran and just south of Brodick. Arran lies off Scotland’s west coast with transport links to/from Glasgow.

Information on Lamlash

The name is a contraction of the Gaelic Eilean mo Laise, which refers to Holy Island opposite.

Key features:

• This village is the main administrative centre for the entire island.
• Offers a sheltered bay protected by Holy Island.
• In the village centre is a line of quaint 19th cottages known as Hamilton Terrace.

• Now a focus for yachting and leisure activities.
• Offers a good choice of hotels and lodgings.
• Home to a par 64, 18 hole golf course.
• Site of Scotland’s first No-Take Zone which was established in 2008. Objective is to protect precious underwater beds of maerl, a coral like seaweed and important habitat for wildlife. The latter includes scallops, young cod and haddock fry.
• On hiking and cycling routes.
• Close by is the ruined Kilbride Chapel where there are many old burials.
• Between Lamlash and Brodick can be found a prehistoric stone circle dating back, possibly, 4000-5000 years.

• Home to a memorial to the Arran Clearances of early 19th century when large numbers of islanders were forced to emigrate.

Lamlash impresses as a relatively quiet location albeit with many options for the visitor.

Visiting

Principal options are scheduled bus service, bicycle and private motor transport.

More information

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland has a section on Arran and many other of the Scottish islands. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.