Arran

With dramatic mountain ridges towering over the moorland of its northern half, and a lusher, softer landscape in the south, Arran is often dubbed as Scotland in Miniature. The fact is that this is an island with a huge amount to offer packed into small space. The great granite ridges may be lower in stature than those in the Highlands, but they are the equal of any mountains in Scotland for sheer grandeur. The coastline has some superb scenery and a wondeful outlook, whether towards Ayrshire or to Kintyre. And the island itself is packed with history and human interest, from the ancient standing stones on Machrie Moor to the modern-day Buddhist retreat on Holy Island.