The book Arran; - Cook Clan

CHAPTER II
ARRAN IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
Arran a frontier island—the Bysset intrusion—Arran and Wallace—the
rising under Bruce—Douglas in Arran—attack on Brodick garrison
arrival of Robert Bruce in Arran—the fire at Turnberr}-— departure
for the mainland— the Arran woman's prophecy — Brace's later
connection with Arran.
With the passing of the Norse dominion on the west and its
absorption in the kingdom of Scotland, the poUtical relationship
of Arran changed, but that relationship continues to be
determined by the island's geographical position. It remains
virtually a frontier island, though now from the standpoint
of the east rather than of the west. Relatively to the eastern
base of the new kingdom it is more remote ; it is no longer,
as under Dalriada and the Norse, in the stream of things,
which passes by the eastern rather than the western shore.
Generally it is off the main pathway of Scottish history
great determining events touch it but incidentally. Only
in the domestic broils of the west, or when that region becomes
again, as it was well suited to be, the theatre of
desperate resistance, does Arran come boldly into the strong
light of history. From its remote yet convenient position
it was equally suited to being a refuge or a base of
action, and its halfway proximity to Ireland helps in both
senses.
On these lines we can understand its fitful connection
with the strange story of the Scottish Byssets, who were to
have lands also in England and Ireland. In 1242, under
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VOL. II.
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