Island of Arran

Stone Circle, Arran, Scotland Art Photographic Poster Print by Iain Sarjeant, 24x32

Lochranza Castle, Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland, United Kingdom Photographic Poster Print by Roy Rainford, 18x24

Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland, United Kingdom Art Photographic Poster Print by Roy Rainford, 24x18

Brodick Castle, Island of Arran, Scotland

The Isle of Arran with its superb scenery is a great delight to its many annual visitors who make the two mile trip from the island's pier to Brodick Castle is to discover a unique island treasure house.

In 1263 a battle was fought in the Firth of Clyde between a Norwegian force under King Haakon IV and Scots soldiers fighting for Alexander III. The Norwegians were routed in what is now known as the Battle of Largs. Fleeing from the battle, the remains of the Nor-
wegian fleet briefly sought shelter in Lamlash Bay on the east side of the Isle of Arran, a few miles from where Brodick Castle now stands.

The oldest masonry of the castle dates from just after the Battle of Largs. Set on a commanding eminence overlooking Brodick Bay and screened from the west winds by Goat Fell and other high mountains of the island, the red sandstone castle has had a chequered career. In the 14th century it was held by the English during the Wars of Independence. In the two centuries that followed the castle fell three times, twice to the English and once to the powerful Scottish house of Douglas. During the 17th century the building was occupied by Cromwellian troops, who extended the castle in 1652. It was not until the 19th century that the castle became well used as a home by the dukes of Hamilton, the family which had owned the castle and much of the island since 1503. Improved transport and fine hunting on the estate enabled the castle to be developed as a great Victorian island retreat, and further additions to the building, designed by James Gillespie Graham, were added in 1844.

The castle remained a seat of the dukes of Hamilton until 1895, when it became the home of Mary Louise, the only child of the 12th duke. She married the 6th duke of Montrose and lived at the castle until her death in 1957. A year later the castle and many of its priceless contents were conveyed to the National Trust for Scotland in lieu of estate duty.

The contents include fine examples of silver, porcelain and paintings from the collections of William Beckford, his daughter married the 10th duke of Hamilton, the earls of Rochford, connected through one of the three marriages of the 5th Duke of Hamilton, and of the dukes of Hamilton themselves. Of particular interest is the superb collection of 19th-century sporting paintings and trophies, said to be the finest of its kind in Scotland. Apart from works emphasising the sporting theme, there are paintings by Antoine Watteau, Thomas Gainsborough, J. M. W. Turner and many other artists of note.

The gardens that surround the castle have attracted international acclaim and recognition. The walled garden forms the oldest part, the date of 1710 being inscribed over the north door. Developed as a rose garden in the Victorian style, it has recently been renovated. The large woodland garden, created in the 1920s by the Duchess of Montrose, is one of the finest rhododendron gardens in Britain, and contains semi-tropical plants, shrubs and a walled rock garden.