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4.2 Isle of Arran
Prehistoric and Early Historic periods
4.2.1 Very few sites from this period have been identified along the southern coast
of Arran. There are two defensive structures, Dippen Promontory Fort and
Kingscross Dun. The low number of such sites in comparison to those found
on Kintyre may be due to the nature of the coastline, which appears to be one
of extremes between high cliffs and flat bay areas. It appears that the majority
of prehistoric sites are concentrated on the east side of Arran at such places as
Kingscross Point, where there is a standing stone and various sites associated
with the Vikings.
Medieval
4.2.2 There are only two known medieval sites within this portion of Arran’s
coastline. These are a bloomery mound at Kilpatrick, and Kildonan Castle. It
appears that this area was not extensively used during this period or that later
settlement has destroyed any trace of earlier sites.
Post Medieval and Industrial Period
4.2.3 As seen on Kintyre, there are numerous shipwrecks littering the southern coast
of Arran. This is a very ragged and rocky coastline and shipwrecks tend to be
common around such shores. The majority of these shipwrecks date from the
1800s and appear to be linked to industrial activities as they tended to carry
cargoes of coal or lime, two resources in high demand at this time.
4.2.4 Most of the other sites along this coastline date to the 19 th or 20 th century and
are mostly buildings, either residential or commercial, concentrated in and
around the main towns on the island such as Whiting Bay or Lamlash. Other
features such as stone walls may be associated with land improvements in the
1800s when a lot of the crofting communities were cleared off the land to
make way for improved land use. A Clearances Monument dedicated to the
people who were evicted can be seen in the centre of Lamlash.
Military
4.2.5 There are several sites linked to military activity on Arran, mostly dateable to
the Second World War. Several observation posts are located around the east
coast of Arran from Kildonan to at least Clauchlands Point where the survey
area ends. There is also evidence of a barrier which once stretched from
Kingscross Point to Holy Island.
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