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The peaceful south corner

Author Holiday Arran |

You’ll never be short of things to see and do

MANY argue that the most peaceful area of Arran is the south of the island, compromising the villages of Kildonan, Kilmory, Lagg and Sliddery.

They share some fantastic beaches; big sandy bays as well as interesting rock pools. Kildonan is unusual in that it lies a short distance off the main road overlooking the small island of Pladda. Down south you will see the floating volcano Ailsa Craig, a bird sanctuary with an unmistakable outline. The name Kildonan derives from the name Saint Donan who is reputedly buried in the village.

Early life in the village revolved around Kildonan Castle. Once a royal seat, the castle passed between various Scottish nobles, before latterly belonging to the Hamilton family in 1544, by which time they were the earls of Arran. The tower was later sacked and burnt by the Earl of Sussex around 1558. The ruined remains of the building still exist. The modern village is a small thriving community with a much loved and much used village hall. There was a school in the village but numbers declined so much that it closed in 1968.