2008 Festival Programme
Booking Information
Booking lines are now open! To book sea kayaking call 01770 302244 and RIB trips call 01770302377. For all other events call the Tourist Information Centre on 01770 303774. A fee of £1.50 will be payable for each place booked. This includes a 50p administration payment and a £1 contribution to conservation projects on Arran. Book 6 or more places for a one of fee of £9.
Wednesday 14th May
1530-1630
Holy Isle Sealife Special
Circumnavigate Holy Isle and explore Lamlash Bay. A chance to see mammals such as seals and occasionally porpoises, and sea birds including eider ducks, black and common guillemots, fulmars and gannets.
Meet: The Shore House, Brodick
Booking required, Adults £20, children £15.
1000 - 1230
Black Grouse Walk
Visit Arran's new captive black grouse and learn about the islands reintrodution project. Children aged over 6 welcome.
Meet: Old Brodick Graveyard/Glen Rosa road end (NS004368)
Booking required, FREE
1100 - 1200
Sannox Saunter
Join RSPB Scotland on a short walk (about 1km, gentle slope) discovering some of Arran's birds, plants and other wildlife. The path is suitable for most wheelchairs and prams. Optional - bring lunch and picnic at the beacons.
Meet: Sannox Bay car park (NS016454)
Booking required, Free
1000-1300
Ailsa Craig RIB trip
Ailsa Craig is an extraordinary natural spectacle. The island is an RSPB reserve and home to over 70,000 breeding seabirds, including ganets, puffins, razorbills and guillemots. The trip is weather dependent, and may need to be rescheduled if conditions are unfavourable.
Meet: The Shore House, Brodick
Booking required, Adults £40, children £30.
1400 - 1700
Corrie Shore Geology Walk
With SNH 's geologist, explore the layers of rock along the coast at Corrie that record the amazing evidence of Scotland's journey across the Equator around 330 million years ago. Some roadside walking.
Meet: Outside Corrie Hotel
Booking required, FREE
1800 - 1900
Arran's Wildlife Talk
"Travel" around Arran discovering its wonderful wildlife, from the highest mountain to the deepest seabed in this illustrated talk with RSPB Scotland and COAST.
Meet: Cruize Bar, Auchrannie Spa Resort, Brodick
No need to book, Free
2000 - 2130
Birds of Arran
Over a relaxing drink enjoy this visual introduction to the brilliant birds of Arran with the local bird recorder
Meet: Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot
No need to book, FREE
Thursday 15th May
1000 - 1230
North Newton Geology Walk
Walk with SNH in the footsteps of the famous Scottish geologist James Hutton and visit a site that led to the laying of the founding principles of geological science.
Meet: South Newton road end. N.B. parking very limited
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1500
Deer Walk
Explore North Arran with FCS Ranger service and learn all about Britain's largest land mammal.
Meet: North Sannox car park (NS015465)
Booking required, FREE
1200 - 1300
Holy Isle Sealife Special
Circumnavigate Holy Isle and explore Lamlash Bay. A chance to see mammals such as seals and occasionally porpoises, and sea birds including eider ducks, black and common guillemots, fulmars and gannets.
Meet: The Shore House, Brodick
Booking required, Adults £20, children £15.
1300 - 1430
Eagle Watch
Join Arran's local bird recorder on a short walk for a chance of viewing that Scottish wildlife icon - the Golden Eagle. Discounted distillery tours and free tea or coffee on all restaurant purchases.
Meet: Lochranza Distillery
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1700
Sea Kayaking Wildlife Special
Sea kayaks are an ideal way to explore the rugged coastline and watch wildlife. We have single and double kayaks ideal for beginners. Accompanied children over 6 welcome. Qualified guides will offer coaching and answer questions about the wildlife around this beautiful coast. Bring trainers for getting wet, towel and swimming costume.
Meet: Adventure Cabin, Auchrannie Hotel
Booking required, Adults (18+) £40, unaccompanied children (12-17) £35, children £25. Book 2 places for the price of 1.
1530 - 1700
Eagle Watch
Join Arran's local bird recorder on a short walk for a chance of viewing that Scottish wildlife icon - the Golden Eagle. Discounted distillery tours and free tea or coffee on all restaurant purchases.
Meet: Lochranza Distillery
Booking required, FREE
1930 - 2100
COAST Talk and Film
Discover Arran's underwater world with an introduction to the COAST project, which aims to create a Marine Protected Area in Lamlash Bay, and be inspired by amazing film footage from the seas.
Meet: Auchrannie Hotel, Brodick
No need to book, FREE
Friday 16th May
1000 - 1230
Barn Owl Walk
Learn about Barn Owls as the FCS ranger investigates breeding sucsess in an active nest site
Meet: Cnoc Na Dail car park (NS019333)
Booking required, FREE
1115 - 1600
Holy Island Boat Trip
Join COAST on the Holy Island ferry to learn about the marine environment and to walk over this beautiful island owned by Buddhist monks. Please note: the terrain is rugged and the walk is quite strenuous.
Meet: Lamlash Pier
Booking required, £10
1130 - 1300
Wildlife T Shirt Printing
Create your own wildlife design and apply to a T shirt that you can keep, wear and wash! Suitable for children aged 5-14.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, £8
1400 - 1600
Wildlife Lino Cut Printing
Create your design, transfer to a lino block, learn to cut and print each layer to achieve a stunning final single image or repeat pattern printing for material, paper or book cover. Materials, tools and refreshments included.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, Adults only, £18
1400 - 1630
Adopt A Beach
Come along to the Marine Conservation Society's beach cleaning workshop and learn how to adopt your local beach. After a short presentation, we will show you how to join the project and then we will get our hands dirty cleaning the beach! Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. Children over 5 welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Meet: Lamlash Fire Station
Booking required, FREE
1900 - 2100
Eagle Odyssey Filmshow
Your chance to see this award winning RSPB wildlife film featuring breathtaking footage of our largest and rarest bird of prey, the white-tailed sea eagle.
Meet: Corrie and Sannox Village Hall
No need to book, FREE
Saturday 17th May
0945 - 1730
Birds from the Boat
Join the RSPB North Ayrshire Local Group aboard the Arran ferry and look out for seabirds including diving gannets and more.
Meet: Ardrossan - Brodick Ferry
No need to book, FREE
1100 - 1600
Optics Demonstration
Thinking of buying a new scope or binoculars? Try out a great selection with expert guidance from RSPB staff. Optics, books and more on sale.
Meet: The Low Green - behind Brodick Beach and the small co-op
No need to book, FREE
1130 - 1300
Wildlife T Shirt Printing
Create your own wildlife design and apply to a T shirt that you can keep, wear and wash! Suitable for children aged 5-14.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, £8
1300 - 1430
Eagle Watch
Join Arran's local bird recorder on a short walk for a chance of viewing that Scottish wildlife icon - the Golden Eagle. Discounted distillery tours and free tea or coffee on all restaurant purchases.
Meet: Lochranza Distillery
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1530
Seals and Shore
Wander along the shore at Kildonan with NTS for a chance to get close to seals and discover the myriad of creatures that live on the shore.
Meet: Kildonan Village Hall
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1600
Kildonan Shore Geology Walk
Join SNH to discover rocks that show Scotland was once a desert close to the Equator and was nearly torn apart 60 million years ago when the North Atlantic Ocean formed.
Meet: Kildonan Village Hall
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1600
Wildlife Ceramic Tile Painting
Design and paint your own picture or pattern onto a ceramic tile and use as a special kitchen or bathroom wall pieces or simply a spoon rest.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, Adults £18, children under 14 £8.50.
1400 - 1700
Sea Kayaking Wildlife Special
Sea kayaks are an ideal way to explore the rugged coastline and watch wildlife. We have single and double kayaks ideal for beginners. Accompanied children over 6 welcome. Qualified guides will offer coaching and answer questions about the wildlife around this beautiful coast. Bring trainers for getting wet, towel and swimming costume.
Meet: Adventure Cabin, Auchrannie Hotel
Booking required, Adults (18+) £40, unaccompanied children (12-17) £35, children £25. Book 2 places for the price of 1.
1530 - 1700
Eagle Watch
Join Arran's local bird recorder on a short walk for a chance of viewing that Scottish wildlife icon - the Golden Eagle. Discounted distillery tours and free tea or coffee on all restaurant purchases.
Meet: Lochranza Distillery
Booking required, FREE
1730 - 1900
Geology of Arran:Talk and Workshop
Discover Arran's geology and landscape with SNH, followed by a hands on look at rocks fossils and maps - you can even bring one for identification. No prior knowledge needed.Free glass of wine with dinner if you book in advance, mentioning the geology talk, and a chance to see some old fossils in the bar while quaffing Arran's real ale. Call 01770 860 202 to book dinner.
Meet: Blackwaterfoot Lodge
No need to book, FREE
1930 - 2100
Red Squirrels Talk
Find out about these enigmatic and iconic scottish mammals with Shona Munro from the Ayrshire Red Squirrel Group. Learn about the threats that red squirrels face nationwide and what is being done to help them survive.
Meet: Auchrannie Spa Glencloy Suite
No Need to book, FREE
Sunday 18th May
0700 - 0930
Bird Ringing Demonstration
Watch summer visitors and migrant birds being identified, measured and ringed at close quarters. Learn how this helps us understand and protect them.Car parking limited please park opposite hall and walk to post office
Meet: Kildonan Post Office
Booking required, FREE
0930 - 1200
Bird Ringing Demonstration
Watch summer visitors and migrant birds being identified, measured and ringed at close quarters. Learn how this helps us understand and protect them.Car parking limited please park opposite hall and walk to post office
Meet: Kildonan Post Office
Booking required, FREE
0945 - 1730
Birds from the Boat
Join the RSPB North Ayrshire Local Group aboard the Arran ferry and look out for seabirds including diving gannets and more.
Meet: Ardrossan - Brodick Ferry
No need to book, FREE
1000 - 1230
North Newton Geology Walk
Walk with SNH in the footsteps of the famous Scottish geologist James Hutton and visit a site that led to the laying of the founding principles of geological science.
Meet: South Newton road end. N.B. parking very limited
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1300
Raptor Ramble
Look for Arran's rare birds of prey including Golden Eagle in the company of Arran's Bird Recorder. Discounted distillery tours and free tea and coffe with all restaurant purchases.
Meet: Lochranza Distillery
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1700
Sea Kayaking Wildlife Full Day
A full day Sea Kayaking tour along Arran�s beautiful coastline. Packed lunch included (please advise if you have any special dietary requirements at the time of booking). Suitable for children over 12. Bring trainers for getting wet, towel and swimming costume.
Meet: Adventure Cabin, Auchrannie Hotel
Booking required, Adults (18+) £80, unacompanied children (12-17) £70. Book 2 places for the price of 1.
1200 - 1600
Take Action for Wildlife!
Come along, meet a range of conservation groups and discover how to help wildlife in your area.With plenty of fun activities for children on the day and lots of ideas for adults too, there should eb something for everyone, from making your garden more wildlife friendlyto finding out how to organise a beach cleanor record the wildlife in your area.
Meet: Kilmory Hall
No need to book, FREE
1400 - 1530
Seals and Shore
Wander along the shore at Kildonan with NTS for a chance to get close to seals and discover the myriad of creatures that live on the shore.
Meet: Kildonan Village Hall
Booking required, FREE
1800 - 2200
Bats and Beer
Why not enjoy an evening meal and drink before this introduction to bats from SNH, and then search out the real thing using bat detectors.
Meet: Auchrannie Hotel, Brodick
Booking required, FREE
Monday 19th May
0700 - 0900
Birds and Bacon Butties
An early morning walk to discover the feathered songsters behind the dawn chorus. Followed by tea and bacon butties.
Meet: Kilmory Hall
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1230
Barn Owl Walk
Learn about Barn Owls as the FCS ranger investigates breeding sucsess in an active nest site
Meet: Dyemill car park (NS 015 298)
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1600
Minibus Safari of North Arran
A minibus trip to visit some of the best known bird hotspots on the island, in the company of Arran's Bird Recorder whose expert knowledge will give you the best chance to see the wildlife Arran has to offer
Meet: Brodick Pier
Booking required, Adults £20, children £10.
1115 - 1600
Holy Island Boat Trip
Join COAST on the Holy Island ferry to learn about the marine environment and to walk over this beautiful island owned by Buddhist monks. Please note: the terrain is rugged and the walk is quite strenuous.
Meet: Lamlash Pier
Booking required, £10
1130 - 1300
Wildlife T Shirt Printing
Create your own wildlife design and apply to a T shirt that you can keep, wear and wash! Suitable for children aged 5-14.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, £8
1400 - 1530
Wildflower and Woodland Walk
Try to catch a glimpse of red squirrels while walking through this magical woodland with Sue King, Conservation biologist.
Meet: Merkland Wood entrance, beyond Brodick Castle Gardens
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1600
Wildlife Lino Cut Printing
Create your design, transfer to a lino block, learn to cut and print each layer to achieve a stunning final single image or repeat pattern printing for material, paper or book cover. Materials, tools and refreshments included.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, Adults only, £18
1800 - 2200
Bats and Beer
Why not enjoy an evening meal and drink before this introduction to bats from SNH, and then search out the real thing using bat detectors.
Meet: Ormidale Hotel, Brodick
Booking required, FREE
1930 - 2100
Butterflies of Arran
Discover more about butterfly identification and their conservation from Richard Sutcliffe, Butterfly Scotland's recorder for South West Scotland.
Meet: Kildonan Village Hall
No need to book, FREE
Tuesday 20th May
1030 - 1300
Deer Walk
Explore North Arran with FCS Ranger service and learn all about Britain's largest land mammal.
Meet: North Sannox car park (NS015465)
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1300
Sea Kayaking Wildlife Special
Sea kayaks are an ideal way to explore the rugged coastline and watch wildlife. We have single and double kayaks ideal for beginners. Accompanied children over 6 welcome. Qualified guides will offer coaching and answer questions about the wildlife around this beautiful coast. Bring trainers for getting wet, towel and swimming costume.
Meet: Adventure Cabin, Auchrannie Hotel
Booking required, Adults (18+) £40, unaccompanied children (12-17) £35, children £25. Book 2 places for the price of 1.
1130 - 1300
Wildlife T Shirt Printing
Create your own wildlife design and apply to a T shirt that you can keep, wear and wash! Suitable for children aged 5-14.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, £8
1300 - 1500
Butterfly Walk
Search for green hairstreaks and other butterflies with Richard Sutcliffe, Butterfly Conservation's Recorder. Learn how to spot, identify and record these beautiful insects.
Meet: Kilmory Hall
Booking required, FREE
1330 - 1700
Reptile Ramble
A ramble into Glen Rosa with a chance of a closer look at adders, slow worms and common lizards, weather conditions permitting. Suitable for children over 14. Wear walking boots and long trousers.
Meet: Glen Rosa Campsite (NS001376)
Booking required, FREE
1400 - 1600
Wildlife Ceramic Tile Painting
Design and paint your own picture or pattern onto a ceramic tile and use as a special kitchen or bathroom wall pieces or simply a spoon rest.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
Booking required, Adults £18, children under 14 £8.50.
1800 - 2000
Back to Our Roots
A reception to celebrate the results of the week long wildlife study and hear more about the Roots of Arran Community Woodland Project. There will also be another opportunity to walk down to the woodland site. Hot refreshments available.
Meet: Viewpoint carpark between Lamlash and Brodick (NR017336)
No need to book, FREE
1900 - 2030
Arran Dinosaurs Lecture
An opportunity to find out about some fascinating prehistoric wildlife with Dr Neil Clark, including the story of Arran's ancient fossil footprints.
Meet: Lochranza Field Centre
No need to book, FREE
Wednesday 21st May
0930 - 1245
Machrie Moor Stone Circles Walk
Join archaeologist and wildlife enthusiast Lucy Gibbons for a walk back to the Bronze Age and discover Machrie Moor's ancient megalithic landscape - an excellent place to see birds of prey!
Meet: Brodick TIC Festival Bus
Booking required, Bus fare £3.
0930 - 1245
Whitebeams and Whisky
Discover Arran's rare and unique whitebeams - special trees found only on Arran, close to the water source for the award winning Arran Malt Whisky. We will enjoy a distillery tour and tasting, followed by a walk to explore the home of the whitebeams. Discounted distillery tour and free cup oftea or coffee with restaurant meals
Meet: Brodick TIC Festival Bus
Booking required, Reduced rate distillery tour £2.50, bus fare £3.00.
1000 - 1230
Black Grouse Walk
Visit Arran's new captive black grouse and learn about the islands reintrodution project. Children aged over 6 welcome.
Meet: Old Brodick Graveyard/Glen Rosa road end (NS004368)
Booking required, FREE
1000 - 1500
Rhododendron Bash
Join the NTS Rangers in their battle to remove Rhododendron ponticum from Brodick Country Park. Bring packed lunch
Meet: Meet Brodick Castle reception Centre
Booking required, FREE
1100 - 1200
Sannox Saunter
Join RSPB Scotland on a short walk (about 1km, gentle slope) discovering some of Arran's birds, plants and other wildlife. The path is suitable for most wheelchairs and prams. Optional - bring lunch and picnic at the beacons.
Meet: Sannox Bay car park (NS016454)
Booking required, Free
1400 - 1500
Holy Isle Sealife Special
Circumnavigate Holy Isle and explore Lamlash Bay. A chance to see mammals such as seals and occasionally porpoises, and sea birds including eider ducks, black and common guillemots, fulmars and gannets.
Meet: The Shore House, Brodick
Booking required, Adults £20, children £15.
1800 - 1900
Arran's Wildlife Talk
"Travel" around Arran discovering its wonderful wildlife, from the highest mountain to the deepest seabed in this illustrated talk with RSPB Scotland and COAST.
Meet: Cruize Bar, Auchrannie Spa Resort, Brodick
No need to book, Free
Throughout the week.....
0800 - 1600 Weekdays only
Red Squirrel Watch
Watch and Learn about Red Squirrels from the comfort of the office.
Meet: Forestry Office, Brodick (NS010360)
No need to book, FREE
1030 - 1730
Wildlife Art Exhibition
The Exhibition during May will be a mixed show featuring some ten Polish artist�s, sculptors and crafts people shown alongside our own Scottish gallery artist�s with the emphasis on wild life.
Meet: Burnside Gallery
No need to book, FREE
Anytime
People In The Woods
Roots of Arran community group is re-establishing native woodland, an orchand and medicinal tree area at the Faery Glen near Brodick. We invite you to come and enjoy the woodland this week and take part in a survey of the wildlife, native trees and rare plants in the area. Forms will be available to collect and return at the carpark.
Meet: Viewpoint carpark between Lamlash and Brodick (NR017336)
No need to book, FREE
Call for times
Hen Harrier Viewing Project
See CCTV footage of nesting harriers and find out more about these special birds. A programme of guided walks will run during the festival. Check opening hours, whether cameras are live and book on a walk using the festival booking number.
Meet: Kilmory Village Hall
FREE
