Having grown up spending lots of time exploring the Isle of Arran, I really feel like I know the island pretty well. It's an island I return to every year and somewhere I just love spending my time.
One of my favourite things about the Isle of Arran is the abundance of amazing independent shops on the island. Since we often visit the island a few weeks before Christmas, we end up spending a lot of our time browsing and buying lovely gifts for family and friends (and sometimes for ourselves). Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways to support those living in rural communities, so check out the list below to see some of my favourite small businesses to support on the Isle of Arran.
James' of Arran, Brodick
Chocolate is one of my favourite things to buy, no matter where I am in the world. Finding a cute chocolate shop when you're on holiday is such a highlight. Growing up, I remember spending what felt like hours (which in relaity was probably only 5 minutes) deciding whether or not I wanted a white chocolate or milk chocolate frog or mouse. Now, as an adult, I spend equally as much time deciding which chocolates to pick up to enjoy later on that day.
My top 3 favourite chocolates from James' is their Hazelnut Praline, their "Kitty" (a milk chocolate with peanut butter and raspberry jam filling) and their "Raspberry One" (which has a delicious raspberry mouse filling inside). If you're heading to Arran and looking for a sweet treat, I'd highly recommend heading over to James' of Arran
Blackwater Bakehouse, Blackwaterfoot
If there's one thing my husband Finlay loves, it's freshly baked bread and baked goods. In December 2023, on our short holiday to the island, we discovered Blackwater Bakehouse on Instagram. We were curious to see what their bread and pastries were like, so we headed over to Blackwaterfoot first thing on a Friday morning (they are only open on Fridays and Saturdays in winter) to see what we could find.
What we discovered was the coolest little honesty box bakehouse! We couldn't believe what we found when we arrived that day, and made the effort to head over to visit the Blackwater Bakehouse on our visit in December 2024. If you are heading to Arran, I'd highly recommend picking yourself up a delicious sourdough loaf or baguette. Or, even you manage to visit during the run up to Christmas, I'd recommend picking up some of their frangipane mince pies for a fruity and nutty treat!
Cladach Beach House, Brodick
After discovering this spot over recent years, it's become a real happy haunt of ours whenever we visit the island. The Beach House is home to Arran Botanical Drinks, who make their own gin.
When we visit Arran during the winter months, the Beach Hose is a cosy little spot to enjoy a winter themed cocktail. We always try to make the effort to do a walk from accomodation in Brodick round to Beach House to enjoy a late afternoon cocktail. It's such a lovely way to enjoy our holiday on the Isle of Arran
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