Brodick: Popular gateway town to Isle of Arran, Scotland



Brodick with snow-capped Goat Fell in distance.

This evening, I am focusing on Brodick, principal town on the Isle of Arran with population of less than 1000.

The name ‘Brodick’ is derived from the Old Norse for 'Broad Bay' and points to the period up to the mid-13th century when large tracts of the West of Scotland were under Norwegian control.

Video clip of Brodick Bay, Arran.



Arran is often called ‘Scotland in Miniature’ and attracts large numbers of visitors who arrive at Brodick via a 1 hour ferry ride from Ardrossan on the mainland, in turn relatively close to Glasgow.

The key attractions and facilities at/near Brodick include:
  • Scenic bay.
  • Key ferry link to the island, from Ardrossan on the Scottish mainland.
  • Shopping: The widest range of shops on Arran.
  • Brodick Castle: Dates from the 13th century and together with extensive grounds is open to visitors.
  • Goat Fell: A mountain which dominates the local scenery. This is accessible to most hikers. The name derives from the Old Norse for ‘goat hill’. The rugged peak is a function of frost shattering during the last ice-age when Goat Fell and some other peaks on Arran remained above the ice sheets.
  • A wide range of lodgings including hotels, B&Bs and Guest Houses.
  • Craft beer producer.
  • Golf: An 18 hole links course.
  • Some well- preserved examples of prehistoric rock art.
  • Arran Heritage Museum featuring social history, genealogy, archaeology, archives, Viking heritage and geology.

Ferry approaching Brodick


Brodick Castle


Goatfell (2,867ft).


View from Club House at Brodick Golf Club


Isle of Arran Brewery

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