Things to see and do Southwest Islands

Mount Stuart is a remarkable Victorian neo-Gothic palace built between 1879 and 1900. Intended for the Marquis de Bute, it succeeded a 1719 building that went up in smoke during a fire in 1877. It owes its great beauty to the architect Robert Rowand Anderson, who sought to reflect the good taste of its sponsor, a descendant of King Robert the Bruce. The interiors, as mysterious as they are refined, are in keeping with his passion for art, astrology, mythology and religion. However, he did not have time to settle there, his death having occurred just before the house was completed. With the guided tours (mid season) and the free visit (high season: July and August), visitors can enjoy its great architectural and stylistic value. It is difficult not to succumb to the elegance of the chapel, the marble staircase, the drawing room and the intriguing horoscope room. The palace is also an artistic place with contemporary art exhibitions renewed every year.

In addition to the palace, the gardens also have a high artistic value. Made to be explored, they offer many treasures in the form of arboreal and horticultural collections of world importance, with a surprising touch of tropical essences. It must be said that the Bute family was passionate about plants, and you can feel it: landscape art at its best, arboretum and pinetum (800 conifers!).

And if you fancy a snack, the Courtyard Cafe & shop will be perfect with its fresh local produce.

Sitting in the shadow of Goat Fell, Brodick Castle is a must-see when visiting Arran. The fortification of the site dates back to the^5th century, when the Gaels extended their kingdom there from the Irish region of Antrim. In the ^10th century, it was the turn of the Norwegians to take over the place, before the island became part of the Kingdom of Mann & the Isles in the middle of the ^13th century. At the beginning of the ^14th century, it had been attached to the Scottish crown and had already experienced the wars of independence. The Earls of Arran began to build the building we see today in 1510. The War of the Three Kingdoms did not spare it and it passed from family to family according to conflicts and allegiances.

Castle. The interiors are the epitome of Victorian splendor and contain rooms and decorative elements of great value. The grand entrance hall with its hunting trophies is a reminder of the activities of the aristocracy of the time, while the bedrooms and the dining room are extremely elegant. An interactive visit of the castle, with actors in costume, sound and lighting effects is now in place, for a more playful discovery.

Park. The gardens are also worth a visit and are particularly pleasant in good weather. French gardens, they offer a peaceful escape between waterfalls, ponds and wooded paths.

Activities for children. They will love the Isle Be Wild playground and the Fairies & Legends Trail.

This stone circle is an impressive Neolithic site. It offers to see six stone circles. Erected monoliths, cairns, burial cists and circles marking habitation or plots are visible. They bear witness to a dwelling dating from 3500 to 1500 BC. These stone circles were associated with religious activities estimated at -4500 BC. You will have to walk a little from the car park to see the stones (a walk of about an hour).

Erected and owned by the MacSweens, Lochranza Castle dates back to the 13th century for its oldest part, and to the 15th and 16th centuries for the rest. Robert the Bruce is said to have passed through here in 1306. It was used around 1490 by James IV, then by Cromwell in 1650. In 1705, it passed under the yoke of the Hamilton family, before falling into disrepair during the 18th century. It is now protected by Historic Scotland. If you are a tintinophile, the silhouette of this castle will surely speak to you: it inspired the mysterious ruined castle of Ben More from the album L'Île Noire.

In partnership with the Forestry Commission, Alex organizes safari trips in his 4×4 which can accommodate up to 16 people. Excursions are made from Brodick, either to the forest - wildlife observation with binoculars, passage by Glenashdale Falls, discovery of a cairn of more than 5,000 years... - or towards the coast with emblematic sites such as the Devil's Punchbowl, the Witches' Step or Arran's " Big Five ". Outings including distilleries (Lagg Distillery and Lochranza Distillery) are also on the program.

This small museum is a good approach to better understand this island before exploring it in depth. Its history is told since the arrival of the first men, but also its nature, its fauna and flora. Archaeological excavations, models, stuffed animals, collectibles and many more bear witness to the island's heritage and diversity. Rothesay Castle is just opposite the museum and is easily accessible. The museum exhibits objects that were found there.

Opened in 2000, the Arran brewery quickly made a place for itself in the hearts of beer lovers. You can now drink his achievements all over the country and discover his production site here. Visits take place only twice a day and last on average 45 minutes. They allow you to see the manufacturing process and end with a tasting session. If you're short of time, you can always drop by the shop and visitor centre, created to allow you to discover the art of brewing through observation windows.

This 13th century colossus is not lacking in singularity with its circular plan, its four massive towers and its high walls surrounded by water. Now partly in ruins, it was one of the residences of choice of the Stuart kings. It had an eventful fate during the Wars of Independence and the Three Kingdoms War, as it was regularly moved from one camp to another. After falling into oblivion, it underwent major restoration in the 19th century and is now open to the public. The Bute Museum, next door, also looks back on its history.

This is the home of the single malt of the Isle of Arran; true island pride. You can appreciate the principles of its elaboration during a 45-minute visit, punctuated by two tastings: a cream of whisky liqueur and the very popular 14 year old. The latter is 46% and has round and fruity aromas. Good plan: the "drop inn tour" for an express discovery (film) with tasting. There is also a café on site for a drink or a bite to eat.

874 m. Not to notice this mountain from the port entrance, whose trim contours and the tip of snow give its full appearance to the bay of Brodick. About 5 hours are counted for his ascent from Cladach. At its summit, there is a remarkable panoramic view of the Firth of Clyde.

All the secrets of the fascinating island of Arran are told here for the curious who wish to learn more about the island culture, through archaeology, but also social history. A Bronze Age tomb, a replica Viking ship, reproductions of period interiors, costumes, photographs and videos bring the local heritage back to life, whether it is from 3,000 years ago or the last century. There's a coffee shop on the premises. Events are organized there every year: motorcycle and tractor show, handicraft day, children's day...

Toilets, this is a public restroom... Recommending a toilet in a guidebook is not common, but you shouldn't miss it... Between the galley and the pier, the Victorian toilets of Rothesay are more than a place of ease, a stopover that has become unmistakable and even very attractive. Opened in 1899, these toilets are a fine example of the style of the period, with their ornate ceramics and mosaics.

Legend has it that Robert the Bruce took shelter in this cave before the Battle of Bannockburn and met the famous spider that encouraged him to continue his fight. He would have watched him fail six times, just as he had lost six times to the English. If the seventh was good for the spider, it would be good for him too. The spider succeeded: Robert the Bruce fought. Besides the legend, the cave is worth seeing for its beautiful surroundings. A 4.7 km marked trail leads to it between forests, panoramic views, moors and cliffs.