Isle of Arran

Arran is situated off the west coast of Scotland and is often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’.  The population of the island is approximately 5,000, although this figure swells in summer when huge numbers of tourists arrive. The main villages are: Brodick and Lamlash where many of the islands amenities and offices are located.

Brodick is the main ferry port but a smaller ferry also operates between the Argyll mainland and Lochranza, at the north of the island. Both ferries support the main industry on the island – tourism. There is a range of different jobs within this sector, though there is a definite trend towards seasonal work.

Arran’s other main industries are in hospitality and food produce but traditional skills such as fishing and farming have diminished in recent times.

Housing on the island is similar to other rural communities, in that there is a shortage of low cost housing to purchase. It is also difficult to secure long term rental property, due to the large focus on tourism most homes available for letting are offered as holiday accommodation during the summer season.