Just a short hop on the ferry from Ardrossan, the Isle of Arran sits in the Firth of Clyde on Scotland’s south west coast. The island’s heritage museum explores it’s diverse history through a variety of interesting displays.
The stable and coach house contains old photographs highlighting village life and farming methods in bygone days. The isle’s long sea-faring traditions are remembered through steam powered puffers, paddle steamers and warships, to the latest car ferry. A model replica of a Viking ship, the kind assembled in Lamlash Bay in 1263 before the Battle of Largs, is a particular highlight of this exhibition.
Arran's archaeology and geology exhibits are presented in a simple and engaging way allowing all visitors the chance to enjoy the displays. There is a complete and authentic Early Bronze Age grave (over 3,000 years old) and a pottery food vessel found in it. The Clachaig Man is also not to be missed. Re-created by computer technology from a skull found in a cairn at Clachaig in 1900, this 5,000 year old head was sculpted by local artist Marvin Elliot.
