Founded in 1976 and opened to the public in 1979, the Arran Heritage Museum is a quaint museum located in Rosaburn, just off the outskirts of Brodick, Arran's port community.
With a particular focus on Arran life over the years, the museum outbuildings include a farmhouse, cottage, laundry, stable, smiddy and coach house with heritage implements and furnishings, but our particular favourite is the outbuilding detailing a tumultuous period of island history when islanders left Arran for Canada. Called the "clearances", it was a time when residents were re-located to Canada in favour of making room for sheep farms. Poignant letters and details of those who emigrated line the walls of one area of the building.
The smiddy, built early in the 19th century, is much as it was when it officially closed in the 1960s and includes a video of the smiddy as it was used during its heyday. Chock-full of implements and displays, the smiddy also hosts horseshoeing demonstrations several times each year. (Call for details.)
The walls of the museum buildings are dotted with period-specific photographs, depicting life on the island. In one building a recreating of the 5,000 year old skull of Clachaig man found in Arran in 1900 is on display.
If you're traveling to Arran in search of your roots, the Geneology section of the museum is available to assist you in tracking your Arran family history. If you did originate from Arran, take note that this service is only available on Wednesdays, or by prior arrangement. If you'd like the museum to trace your family history, there is a charge of £7.50 per hour and a £20.00 depost is required. For more information contact gracesmall@jings.com
Outside, visitors can browse through a number of period farm implements, and there's a small play area for kids to work off their energy. It's also a pleasant - if small - place to picnic.
How to get to Arran
Arran is accessible through a 55-minute ferry crossing from Ardrossan to Brodick and also from Claonaig to Lochranza. The Ardrossan/Brodick ferry runs 4 or 5 times daily (depending on the weather and time of year) and can be booked in advance; the Claonaig-Lochranza ferry runs 10-12 times daily (closed in winter).
Hours of Operation
Open daily from April - October, from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission Fees:
Adults £3.00; Kids £1.50; Seniors £2.00; Family( parents and children up to 16yrs) - £7.00
For more information, call 44+(0) 1770 302636
Final Stop
The Rosaburn Cafe. Situated at the end of the museum tour, the Rosaburn Cafe features an exceedingly delicious arrangement of baked goodies to finish off your museum visit. Our recommendation: Pavlova
