SCOTLAND IN MINIATURE - ARRAN

Legend has it that it was on the west coast of the Isle of Arran that Scots King Robert the Bruce encountered the spider that would change his fate.

On the run from English soldiers and on the brink of despair, he hid in a cave, where he watched as the tiny creature attempted to spin its web on the wall. It repeatedly tried and failed, but never gave up - and eventually achieved its goal. From this determined example, the warrior drew the strength to continue the battle for his country.

Today, you can re-live this story on a visit the King’s Cave, which located on a raised shingle beach (bring a torch to read the inscriptions) near Blackwaterfoot, or walk to Kingscross Point at Whiting Bay, where it’s said that the king waited to be collected before a final push in his campaign.

Bruce’s story is one of many folk tales associated with Arran, which is home to ancient standing stones, haunted castles, and mystical lochs. Even the shape of the hills has a story – viewed from mainland Ayrshire, their profile resembles the outline of a person, said to be a ‘Sleeping Warrior’ resting before battle.

Goatfell, Arran’s highest mountain, is a popular challenge for walkers and climbers. The peak is a highlight of a dramatic landscape that has led to Arran being dubbed Scotland in Miniature. Its lowland and highland areas are divided by the Highland Boundary Fault, on either side of which you will find varied and photogenic geology.

Arran’s towns and villages are easily navigated via the circular A841. Picturesque Lamlash hugs the shore to the island’s east and is its biggest settlement, with a supermarket and leisure facilities including a golf club, yacht club and bowling club, and a seaside playground for younger visitors.

A short distance north is Brodick, the island’s main village, commercial centre and ferry port, with plentiful shops, accommodation and options for food and drink.

If you’re planning a family day out here, head for the National Trust owned Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park (you might recognise it from a £20 note). You can tour the castle, follow one of the trails around the grounds, or let the kids search for fairies or burn off some energy at the Isle be Wild adventure play area. Two of Arran’s most popular exports are its cheeses, especially flavoured cheddar, and beer, including the

Isle of Arran dark ale. While both products can now be bought online and in supermarkets far afield, they taste even better sampled in situ in one of Arran’s welcoming pubs or restaurants.

Diary date: Brodick Castle Easter Egg Hunt, April 7-10. Use your detective skills to find clues, solve the puzzle and win a chocolatey reward!