The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is a large island in the Firth of Clyde off the west coast of Scotland. The island is about 20 miles long and 10 miles wide with a population of just over 5000. Although fairly close to the Hebrides Arran isn't classed as one of the Hebridean islands.
The island is popular with tourists and attractions include Brodick Castle as well as a distillery and a brewery.
Geology
The Isle of Arran holds an important place in the history of geology. It's situated on the Highland Boundary Fault, resulting in the North and South of the island having distinctive geological characteristics. This division of the island into "Highlands" and "Lowlands" has resulted in it being referred to as "Scotland in miniature".Arran's interesting geology has attracted many scientists, most notably James Hutton who visited the area in 1787. As a result of his observations around Lochranza he proposed the Uniformitarian theory of geology. One of the locations which inspired this theory is known as Hutton's Unconformity.
History
The Isle of Arran has a long history of human habitation. Significant figures believed to have visited include St. Columba and St Ninian, some believe that more recently Robert the Bruce took shelter in what is now called King's Cave.There are many ancient megaliths and standing stones on Arran, most famous of which are probably those at Machrie Moor. There are an amazing six stone circles within a short distance of each other and these are thought to have been part of some ancient sacred site.
As well as stones there are also burial sites aplenty. These include the Giant's Graves, a Bronze Age horned gallery reported to have a strange atmosphere.
Fairies
The fey folk have long been associated with Arran. According to some tales, Arran is home the three types of traditional celtic fairy: brownies, bocans and bleaters. Brownies are the standard "little people", bocans are rather bigger and nastier whilst bleaters are distressed souls who weep mournfully.The area around Lochranza to the north of Arran has especially strong fairy connections. A woodland dell here is said to provide an entrance to (and from) fairyland, and this may be connected with the legend of the yellow frog.
It's said that once, many years ago, some women were out by the side of the loch collecting supplies. An unusual, large yellow frog appeared from the bushes and jumped in front of the women. One of their number went to kill it, but another - a midwife by trade - held her back and the frog escaped unharmed.
The next day the midwife was approached by a messenger on horseback who informed her that the yellow frog had in fact been the Queen of the Fairies in disguise. In gratitude for saving her the Queen had instructed that the midwife be offered the chance to come and live in fairyland forever. The woman accepted the offer and rode off with the messenger into the fairy kingdom.
