A Brief History of Arran
5 May4,500-2,000BC - Neolithic farmers live on Arran. Timber circles are laid out on Machrie Moor, replaced with the still-existing stone circles in the Bronze Age.
545 AD - St Brendan founds a monastery on the island. Later the same century St Molois, a disciple of St Colomba, settles in a cave on Holy Isle.
800 AD - Arran is under Viking rule.
13th Century - Arran returns to Scottish rule. Brodick Castle is built.
1503 - James, Duke of Hamilton, becomes Earl of Arran.
19th Century - Alexander, Duke of Hamilton, brings the Clearances to Arran. Many islanders emigrate to Canada.
1863 - Arran gets its first policeman.
1872 - Brodick Pier is built.
1913 - The first telephone link to the mainland is established.
1933 - Electricity comes to the island.
2000 - Arran Brewery is founded.
2010 - s1arran.com is launched to let residents discuss local issues, place small ads, air their opinions, advertise events and show off pictures and video.
Now it's your turn!
That's the briefest of brief summaries, and hardly covers the most important dates. But this is where you come in. There's lots of interest in local history and lots of local knowledge out there - so why not share it here?
Perhaps you'd like to start your own article about your favourite aspect of Arran history? Or why not make a better timeline? There are far more exciting and interesting events in Arran's past than this.
There must also be a wealth of wonderful photographs of Arran in years gone by. And maybe there's even some video of more recent events - remember, history doesn't need to be in black and white! It's good to bring back memories of just a few years ago, too.
Post it all here, and let's see if we can really chronicle the history of Arran in a way we can all share!
Follow us on: