The Arran Banner
BUDGET BILL REACTION
Finance secretary Shona Robison’s budget speech, which sets out the government’s spending plans and priorities for 2026 to 2027, has received mixed reviews, both locally and nationally. The proposals outline how the Government plans to spend the money...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FIRST MINISTER WEIGHS IN ON ARDROSSAN HARBOUR PURCHASE
First Minister John Swinney has stated that the talks surrounding the Scottish Government’s purchase of Ardrossan Harbour are at a “well-advanced” stage. However, pressure groups remain frustrated due to earlier Government claims that the deal would...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CALL OF THE WILD
Young Naturalist of the Year, Izzy Brand, is surrounded by runners up, Holly Thomson and Cara McCormack, and other members of the Young Naturalist Club. Hosted by National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) Arran Ranger Service, the club offers fun outdoor...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THE END OF AN ERA
Alice Anderson of Brae Salon in Blackwaterfoot will be packing away her scissors and hairdryer for the last time as she retires from running the business for over 45 years. The popular salon has played a central role in village life and it has also...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Treasure Island is a gem
Lamlash Drama Club and Friends’ production Treasure Island was a resounding success. Audiences filled the Arran Community Theatre in Lamlash over three days. This year’s event was powered by a huge cast of 40 well-seasoned actors whose experienced...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ON THE ROAD TO SAFETY
The speed limit on a number of roads across Arran will change to 20mph over the coming months. The local authority approved the plans in a bid to improve safety while encouraging a change to the way people travel. Councillor Tony Gurney said: “The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Students delight at Day of Dance
Young dancers from all seven primary schools on Arran took part in this year’s Dance Scottish Festival, also known as the Day of Dance. The event is thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and staff and is a highlight of the school calendar in the run-up to the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAJOR WORKS ON THE RIGHT PATH
A project to improve the main Goatfell path is under way. The work, on the route which lead to the boundary with National Trust for Scotland land, and the Goatfell approach path at High Corrie, involves airlifting more than 130 tons of quarried stone...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DEMOCRACY IN PROGRESS
A Community Benefit Society for Arran has been proposed with the organisers hoping to create a legal framework which will afford residents a voice and democratic control over community assets and island priorities. Spearheaded by Simon Ross-Gill and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WE’RE IN THE MONEY!
Three Arran projects are celebrating a major cash boost after a combined cash windfall of more than £800,000 from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme. The investment will be used to fund a raft of key initiatives across the island. The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sweet sound of success at Arran Music School awards
Katherine Coyle, Hayley Glister, Mavis Helliwell and Niamh Sturgeon are pictured with their awards at the inaugural Isle of Arran Music School fundraising ceilidh and prizegiving. Both effort and achievement were celebrated on the night, with honours...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SELKIE THE SEAL SAVED
A 10-day-old seal was rescued from Blackwaterfoot beach after being separated from her mum. She was named Selkie by Arran Vets, which took care of her before arranging for her to be cared for by the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HARBOUR PRICE AGREED
A purchase price has been agreed for Ardrossan Harbour. Owners Peel Ports finalised the in-principle arrangement with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which is negotiating on behalf of the Scottish Government. The surprise announcement was made...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
KING HOSTS COAST
Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) members visited Clarence House in London to celebrate the partnership between the King Charles III Charitable Fund and Waitrose Duchy Organic. Aine Purcell-Milton and Howard Wood from COAST share a laugh with...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BUSINESS AT ITS BEST
Three Arran businesses have scooped honours at the prestigious West Scotland Thistle Award regional final. Auchrannie Resort claimed top spot in the Employer of the Year category, Bellevue Farm took Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience for their farm...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘TOTAL DISDAIN’
A furious Arran councillor has accused North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet member for health and social care of treating Arran “with disdain” after the number of care home beds at Montrose House was cut last month. Charles Currie hit out at Chloe...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TEAM PUTS BEST FEET FORWARD
Solicitors, notaries and estate agents from Jas Campbell and Co were among a 20-strong crowd of fundraisers who visited Arran for a special mission in aid of Arran Cancer Support Trust. See Page 3.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘SHOW US THAT YOU CARE’
A new action group has been formed by a determined Brodick woman in a bid to fight council cuts at Arran’s only care home. Isla Anderson has already garnered the support of almost 150 locals who are calling for the decision to reduce the number of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DISTILLERY ANSWERS ‘POLLUTION CONCERNS’
Isle of Arran Distillers has responded to local concerns about its planning application to upgrade its sea outfall facilities at Rubha Airigh Bheirg between Catacol and Pirnmill. The company owns both the Lochranza Distillery and Lagg Distillery, and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘SHAMEFUL’
Arran’s only care home will now accommodate just ten residents following a controversial decision by the North Ayrshire Integration Joint Board (IJB). It means a significant reduction in care for the island’s population of around 4,629 people. The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A TOAST TO COAST
COAST is celebrating its 30th anniversary. And co-founders Howard Wood and Don MacNeish have thanked the Arran community and all volunteers for allowing the marine conservation charity to accomplish everything that it has over the last three...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HEAVY DUTY FUN
A remarkable display strength was on show Brodick Highland Games. Joining compère and games veteran Alan Pettigrew were 16 ladies and gents, pictured above, who competed brilliantly in the heavy events section. The athletes demonstrated amazing...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FESTIVAL RETURNS AFTER 20 YEARS
An iconic three-day event that was once a staple of Arran’s packed events calendar is making a dazzling return after a near 20-year absence. The Corrie Festival is back – with a jam-packed schedule with something for everyone.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘HANDS OFF OUR CARE BEDS’
Concerned residents on Arran have hit out at a controversial plan to cut bed numbers at the island’s only remaining care home. Shock proposals for a “shake-up” could see the number of beds at Montrose House in Brodick reduced by a third.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A SHOW OF RESPECT
A group of big-hearted volunteers have restored the area around Brodick War Memorial after it was badly damaged during Storm Eowyn. At their own expense and using their own equipment, the altruistic troupe removed all of the dead trees and bracken and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
All ages have a ball at the newly re-opened Brodick Bowling Club
Brodick Bowling Club was once again filled with the sounds of laughter and people enjoying themselves after a community drive saw the 114-year-old facility reopen. The club has been brought back to life through a concerted effort by club president...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
£4.4M FUND FOR ISLANDS CAUGHT IN FERRY CHAOS
The Scottish Government has released details of a £4.4 million funding package intended to aid island businesses which have been affected by ferry disruption. Applications for the fund can only be made by businesses on Arran, South Uist, Colonsay,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOLYROOD HARBOUR PROTESTS FALL FLAT
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop has “complete confidence” in CMAL boss Kevin Hobbs – despite calls to have him removed from talks over the sale of Ardrossan Harbour. More than 80 protesters rallied outside Holyrood on June 19 in a bid to have him...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FIRST CLASS
Pupils’ academic, sporting and musical achievements were celebrated at the annual Arran High School award ceremony. A highlight of the school year, the event included awards for individual accomplishments in each year group and more than 18 special...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
£100K BOOST TO HELP SAVE ARRAN’S SEAS
Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) has been awarded £100,000 for community work to help protect and restore the seas around the Firth of Clyde. Lamlash-based COAST will use the funding from the nature restoration charity Rewilding Britain to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREEN FOR GO
A team of volunteers are resurrecting a once-thriving club and community asset which was lost in 2022. The 114-year-old Brodick Bowling Club, which shut three years ago, is set for a triumphant return thanks to a widespread community effort. The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A DECADE OF CARE IS CELEBRATED
Members of the community joined residents of Montrose House and their families to help celebrate the care home’s 10th birthday. Taking place in the beautifully manicured gardens, the party included fun activities for people of all ages.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARRAN CELEBRATIONS AND REFLECTIONS
Communities around Arran came together last week to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Events and gatherings were held across the island on Thursday May 8 as folk of all ages paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the war, while...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Arran Allsorts make themselves heard at community concert
Youth choir Arran Allsorts were one of the many musical groups to perform for visitors at the third Free For All event organised by Arran Community and Voluntary Services (Arran CVS). The annual event, held at Arran High School, is aimed at giving...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PUTTING ARRAN ON THE GLOBAL MAP
Arran has been named as the UK’s 10th Global Geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The honour recognises sites and landscapes of international geological significance. VisitArran CEO and chairperson...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ISLAND UNITES TO FIGHT RAGING WILDFIRE
Emergency services and volunteers have been thanked for their amazing unity in tackling a wildfire which spread last week. See pages 2 and 3 for more.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THAT’S A WRAP
Two popular film-makers are hanging up their cameras. Chris and Jan Attkins have called time on a lengthy career behind the lenses.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MATCH POINT: Corrie Primary pupils have a spring in their step after show success
Pupils from Corrie Primary were delighted to win the most points for their entries at the Arran Horticultural Society’s Spring Show. The pupils’ artwork and floral displays earned the school the Brodick Castle Gardens Trophy for the school or nursery...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
The sweet sound of success at festival
Arran High School pupils show off the trophies they won at this year’s Arran Music Festival. Following some recent changes to how the event is run, the festival experienced a revival with more than 120 entries in various categories. The annual event...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLANS LODGED FOR 26 NEW HOMES
Plans for 26 affordable new homes on Arran have been submitted to North Ayrshire Council on behalf of Trust Housing Association, Arran’s largest social housing provider. The development across the proposed site in the Springbank area of Brodick...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PUBLIC RALLY TO SAVE BEAUTY SPOT
Campaigners wanting to save an Arran beauty spot from industrialisation are rallying support with a public meeting. Friends of King’s Cross have put out a new call to arms after Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) submitted plans to change a farmhouse at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MERKLAND HYDRO SCHEME APPROVED
Development plans for a hydroelectric scheme that could power 200 homes on Arran have been approved by North Ayrshire Council. The small run-of-river (ROR) hydroelectricity scheme will be on Merkland Burn, in woodland popular with walkers and for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
7% TAX RISE BUT ISLAND CENTRE SAVED
North Ayrshire councillors have agreed to raise council tax by seven per cent and spared Arran Outdoor Education Centre from closure in “one of the most challenging budgets the council has ever had to set”. One by one, local authorities across...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SHIPWRECKED TREASURE TROVE DISCOVERED OFF ARRAN’S COAST
A shipwreck full of pottery from Glasgow which dates back to the 19th century has been discovered off the coast of Lamlash Bay. Graeme Bruce, 65, a retired engineer and avid diver from Oban, discovered the wreck around 53 metres below sea level in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PEOPLE POWER TO THE FORE
More than 200 people joined a march and public meeting calling for government action to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour and to retain it as the main ferry port to Arran. The protest march and public meeting was organised by mainland lobbying group Save...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRUST LAUNCHES APPEAL AFTER STORM DEVASTATES BRODICK COUNTRY PARK
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the destruction caused by Storm Éowyn at Brodick Country Park and dozens of the properties it cares for across the country. While the full extent of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARRAN COUNTS THE COST AFTER STORM BATTERING
Businesses and homeowners on Arran are still counting the cost and trying to repair damage caused by Storm Eowyn which struck the island with 100mph winds last Friday. Meteorologists predicted the explosive cyclogenesis, which occurs when pressure...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MORE CASH TO FIGHT ARRAN’S FUEL POVERTY
Trust Housing Association, Arran’s largest social housing provider, has announced a further £3 million investment in energy efficiency measures to help customers reduce their energy consumption and save money. According to North Ayrshire Council, fuel...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ANCHORS AWEIGH
There was a palpable sense of optimism and excitement as the long overdue ferry MV Glen Sannox finally began service on the Troon to Brodick route on Monday morning. The long-awaited, historic milestone was celebrated by an army of local and national...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARRAN AUTHOR’S BOOKS A LIFELINE FOR CHILDREN
More than 1,640 children living in some of the poorest places in the world have had their lives changed for the better thanks to a fundraising initiative by Arran author Alison Page. The remarkable feat is due to a series of books which has so far...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘FERRY’ WELCOME START TO NEW YEAR ON ARRAN
Ferry operator CalMac has confirmed its new ferry, MV Glen Sannox, will begin operating a timetabled service on the Arran route on Monday January 13. The realisation of plans for a new ferry for the island comes after six years of delay, scandal and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
RATES RELIEF FOR ARRAN HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES
Hospitality businesses on Arran will once again receive 100 per cent non-domestic rates relief. In the annual budget outlining the Scottish Government’s spending plans for 2025/2026, finance secretary Shona Robison announced rates relief for island...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BACK IN ACTION: GROUP FIGHTS TO SAVE CENTRE
Members of the Arran community, with the support of local charities and businesses, have launched a campaign to save the Arran Outdoor Education Centre in Lamlash, which is facing potential closure as a result of budget cuts. Campaigners from the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BRODICK PORT STALWART RETIRES AFTER 19 YEARS
Brodick port manager, Colin McCort, has retired after 19 years of dedicated service at CalMac. Colin ran the busiest port on the network and was instrumental in keeping the port running at optimum efficiency, even when difficult decisions needed to be...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DEDICATED EMERGENCY HELIPAD A STEP CLOSER
A dedicated emergency services helipad on Arran could help save lives on the island and improve its resilience if it gains approval from North Ayrshire Council’s planning department. The initiative is being spearheaded by the charity Arran Emergency...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SIX-YEAR WAIT ENDS AS NEW FERRY IS FINALLY DELIVERED
The final paperwork transferring MV Glen Sannox from shipbuilders Ferguson Marine, Port Glasgow, to new owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) was signed late last week. The signing marks the official handover of the vessel to its new owners who...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRANSPORT MINISTER TAKEN TO TASK OVER FERRY FAILINGS
Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop faced a barrage of questions and accusations about the Scottish Government’s winter resilience plans for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network during a meeting at Holyrood last week. Exasperated and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CALMAC PLAN SCUPPERED
A bombshell announcement that MV Caledonian Isles will require further repairs which could extend well into March next year has left CalMac bosses scrambling to formulate a plan to provide the island with adequate capacity on the Ardrossan to Brodick...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CALMAC CONSIDERS LEASING ANOTHER VESSEL FOR ARRAN
Ferry operator CalMac is considering leasing another vessel to serve on the Arran route after reaching an agreement with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The agreement at this stage is just to conduct berthing trials at Brodick and Troon, with a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘AULD TROOPER’ RETURNS
Long-suffering Arran residents and visitors have breathed a sigh of relief at the return of island namesake the MV Isle of Arran ferry after enduring two weeks of travel disruption on the Ardrossan to Brodick route as a result of breakdowns and vessel...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS OVER COUNCIL’S BUDGET CUT PLANS
An acrimonious split has divided the political factions of North Ayrshire Council after the local authority called a special meeting to lay out its plans for a contentious 2025/2026 budget which needs to make £16 million of savings. All sides of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARRAN OUTDOOR CENTRE ON BUDGET CUT HIT LIST
MV Glen Sannox resumed its sea trials on Tuesday this week. Trials were brought to a halt last Thursday, just a day after the new ship docked at Brodick for the first time, due to a blackout onboard. The ship became undetectable after its automatic...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VIP visitor Glen Sannox stops off at Arran on sea trials
Brodick Primary School pupils waved in Arran’s new ferry, MV Glen Sannox, on her first visit to the island on Tuesday. The vessel was taking part in her final sea trials before she starts serving the Arran route later this year. Joining youngsters...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SUN SHINES ON GLENKILN SOLAR WIND FARM PLAN Swimmers make a splash at Lamlash
Plans for a four megawatt solar wind farm at Glenkiln in Lamlash have received a significant boost after the organisation behind the plans, Arran Community Renewables (ACR), received a substantial Scottish Government grant. The grant of £220,828,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CHARLES VOWS TO SERVE ARRAN’S INTERESTS
Charles Currie of the Scottish Labour Party has been elected as Arran’s new councillor following last week’s by-election. Charles was nominated to fill the vacant seat at North Ayrshire Council following the resignation of Tory councillor Timothy...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TENNIS LIGHTS MYSTERY
North Ayrshire Council, through its North Ayrshire Leisure Limited company, which trades under the name of KA Leisure, has left many community organisations in the dark after it applied for planning permission to fit new LED lighting at the Brodick...
Read Full Story (Page 1)