Lochranza Centre

They say that Arran tells Scotland’s geological story from start to finish. There are the sedimentary rocks on the east coast, a leftover from Scotland’s journey across the equator, and the ten-kilometre granite pluton that forms the island interior, formed 60 million years ago and eroded by glaciers to form today’s magnificent skyline. A smaller intrusion of magma can be seen in Doon Cliff at Drumadoon, a headland of 30-metre-high columns. The best place on the island to find out more is the Lochranza Centre, opened in 1979 in Lochranza’s old primary school, subsequently run as a PGL centre, and now a not-for-profit CIC under directors Stuart Blake and Chris Traill. It offers educational field studies in geology, geography and biology, as well as a range of adventure activity courses such as gorge walking, abseiling and archery. Everyone is welcome, from schools and youth groups to families and general interest clubs. The centre is also available for B&B and full board accommodation.