THE SPIRIT IS STRONG TEN THINGS TO DO IN KINTYRE & ARRAN
AN CEARDACH, CAMPBELTOWN Explore three acres of lush private garden, complete with wildflower meadows, ponds and sculptures. Stemming from a small retirement project, An Ceardach is now home to hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons, a vegetable garden
and many interesting trees. Viewing by appointment (01586 551762).
ARRAN BREWERY Set in the shadow of Brodick Castle, Arran Brewery offers an insight into the way Arran premium ales are brewed. It’s a great chance for visitors to sample some local beers and learn about the traditional beer-making process.
ARRAN AROMATICS, BRODICK Janet and Iain Russell founded Arran Aromatics in the kitchen of their cottage in 1989, inspired by the scents of their beloved island. This local business has blossomed, with products now sold across the country.
‘The massive runway at
Machrihanish was capable of being used as a landing site for NASA’s space shuttle’
Near Machrihanish, there are the remains of a radio mast erected in 1905 by a Canadian inventor called Reginald Fessenden, who sent the first two-way radio transmission across the Atlantic using Morse code. But mention Machrihanish and people
immediately think of the massive 10,000ft-long runway, which was used by the Royal Air Force and the American military and which was even capable of being a landing site for NASA’s space shuttle. The area is now demilitarised and has been purchased through a community buyout, creating more opportunities for local people to shape the future of the area. Kintyre was important for other military
purposes too. The naval air arm used it after the First World War and the RAF employed it as a training base during the Second World War. That led to a great story that any local person of a certain age will enjoy telling – the time that the Royal Hotel was attacked in an air raid by the Luftwaffe. While I love the local history and all of its
stories, one of my favourite spots is Machri- hanish beach itself, which is one of Scotland’s
Above: Jamie returns to his home town as often as he can.
THE ISLAND CHEESE COMPANY Discover a selection of mouthwatering cheeses produced in the small island creamery. Set in the grounds of Brodick Castle, visitors can view the artisan cheesemakers at work and sample the results.
SPRINGBANK DISTILLERY, CAMPBELTOWN The oldest independent family-owned distillery in Scotland, Springbank was founded in 1828 on the site of Archibald Mitchell’s illicit still. Take in a tour then relax with a dram in the Campbeltown Tasting Room.
ISLE OF GIGHA Just a 20-minute ferry sail from Kintyre, the community- owned Isle of Gigha is well worth a visit. Explore the Achamore Gardens and walk on the breathtaking sandy beaches to appreciate the island’s beauty and tranquillity.
ARRAN DISTILLERY Based in the village of Lochranza, the distillery offers tours and tastings daily. Learn about the whisky-making process from professional guides and enjoy a dram at the end or a taste of the local Gold Cream Liqueur.
MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL The region’s top cultural event takes place this year from 20 to 24 August. It attracts music-lovers from all over the world to Campbeltown and showcases the very best in traditional and contemporary music.
KILLEAN ESTATE BEACH, MULL OF KINTYRE Killean offers over a mile of natural coastline. There is a sandy beach strewn with rocks, where seals are often spotted basking in the sunshine. Take a fishing net and explore the rockpools or enjoy a leisurely beach stroll.
MACHRIE MOOR Arran is home to many stone circles dating from the Neolithic period and early Bronze Age. Machrie Moor, on the island’s west coast, hosts the most impressive collection, the main site marked with six stone circles on a small area of moorland.
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