Hi all, I’m new to the site.
I’m planning on going to Arran Island in Scotland next April 2026.
Does anyone have any hints/comments? Where to fly - and where not to fly?
Cheers,
Martin
2 Likes
Hi @there, it looks as though you’re quite new here 
Why not nip over to the Introductions page, and say hello properly and tell us a bit about yourself. 
Hi,
A few suggestions.
Lochranza evening shots.
Glenashdale falls, whiting bay.
Arran skyline from top string road.
Goatfell from kings crossing.
Eas mor waterfall , near kildonan.
Brodick bay, castle and ferry arrivals.
Sannox beach.
You will enjoy.
Mart.
5 Likes
Opps
Should have been
Holy Isle from kings crossing.
1 Like
If the weather (and your stamina) permit, 400’ above the summit of Goat Fell puts you at 3.287’, legally, and the views from a position like that will be phenomenal!
It’s been said that Arran is Scotland in Minature, which I think is very apt. I love the place. My recommendations would include:
- The Rosa Pinnacle on Cir Mhor, from Glen Rosa - though there are many other great photos to be taken of the peaks surrounding Glens Rosa and Sannox. Dissenting from John @TheJohnster though, I’d suggest that you’ll often get better mountain photographs by remaining below your maximum altitude and shooting amongst rather than above them. They frequently tend to lose their stature when viewed from above. Go and see what works best for you!
- Lamlash Bay and Holy Island
- Lochranza Castle and Loch Ranza - maybe seals too, but don’t disturb them!
- The Stone Circle on Machrie Moor
- Catacol and its terrace of fishermens’ houses - actually the coast road provides lots of great photo opportunities.
I stayed at Kildonan in the extreme south of the island last time. The sea breezes helped keep the midges at bay (or rather, out of the bay) - there are otters there, and views towards the volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig
1 Like
Check the flight restrictions before flying, for whatever reason most of Northern Scotland is tucked up rather tight for no fly zones, apparently the RAF got first dibs. That being said I think it varies day to day, so definitely check before flying. We were up in Wick during the summer and I was disappointed to not be able to fly, where we stayed was only a couple of miles away from Wick airport.
Really?
But anyway .. Arran is in the southern Scotland.
Disappointed? Did you not check before you went there?
The FRZ has been there for several years. 
Chances are, had you planned, you could have applied to fly within the FRZ, too.
That’s a good point, and composition is certainly improved by being among, rather than above, the peaks, but an ascent to 400’ above, and a 360 to see what can be seen on a clear day is fascinating, not to mention awesome. You should be able to take in pretty much all of Scotland south of Ben Nevis & the Grampians, plus a good bit of Northern England and Ulster, possibly the Isle of Man as well!
1 Like