What’s On
2020
Due to the situation with Covid-19, all events are yet to be confirmed for 2021. Events are also listed in the local newspaper, The Arran Banner and in the Tourist Information Centre by Brodick Pier.
Live music – The Pierhead Tavern, Lamlash. An eclectic programme of regular events.
The NTS Arran Rangers provide a year-long programme of events including guided hill walks, wildlife and geology landrover safaris, bushcraft, badger watch, outdoor art, etc. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
April
Brodick Castle opens for the season (to 31 October). The gardens and country park are open all year round.
Easter Fun at Brodick Castle.
May
Arran Mountain Festival. A programme of guided walks with experienced local guides to hike through spectacular mountain and coastal scenery.
June
Dougarie Lodge Open Garden Day from 2pm-5pm. Terraced garden in castellated folly built in 1905 to celebrate the marriage of the 12th Duke of Hamilton’s only child to the Duke of Montrose. Good selection of tender and rare shrubs and herbaceous border. Small woodland area with trees including Azara, Abutilon, Eucryphia, Hoheria and Nothofagus. Directions: 5 miles north of Blackwaterfoot. Admission Adults: £4. Children: Free. Free parking. Plants stall with cuttings from the garden. Home-made cream teas available in the 19th century boathouse.
Date tbc: Arran Coastal Rowing Regatta. Lamlash Pier.
July
Whiting Bay Fun Week: Family Fun in the Park, Beach Sculpture Competition, Car Treasure Hunt, Rock Pool Scramble, Scavenger Hunt at the Putting Green, Village Market, Family Quiz at Whiting Bay Hall, Tug of War and Tractor Pull, Raft Race at the jetty.
The Kinloch Hotel Beer Festival, Blackwaterfoot. 20 different world beers will be waiting to be sampled along with entertainment from different bands.
August
Arran Farmers 182nd Show. Experience the unique Arran atmosphere… come along to Glenkiln, Lamlash and share in this historic day.
The Brodick Highland Games. Traditional Highland games including heavy events, track and field, children’s races, Highland dancing and pipe solos. Local produce stalls. 11am-5pm.
Arran Open Studios. Come and meet the artists, venture behind the studio doors to find out about their methods and inspiration. Wander from studio to studio through the beautiful Arran landscape.
September
Arran Geofest. A fascinating way to find out more about Arran’s incredible geological history.
December – January
31 Dec – 1 Jan: Hogmanay Celebrations around the island, in village halls, pubs and hotels.
1 Jan: The Douglas Dook. From the jetty in front of Bilslands – make your first ‘dook’ of the year into the Firth of Clyde! All proceeds to Arran Mountain Rescue Team.