Shop Arran
Your guide to the best shopping on Arran throughout the Shop Arran weekend
Bargain hunters are in for a treat this weekend as shops across the island get into the festive spirit by offering enticing deals, discounts and special surprises during the Xmas Shop Arran weekend.
Taking place throughout the weekend, starting today, Friday, and lasting until Sunday, the initiative also offers shoppers a chance to win a fantastic Christmas prize draw by visiting six participating stores and collecting six stamps.
With more than 27 businesses taking part the Xmas Shop Arran weekend has grown into an island wide initiative aimed at encouraging shoppers to buy locally and support local businesses by offering discounted goods, special offers and festive cheer.
And with more shops and businesses taking part than ever, there will be something for everyone - from the stocking filler shopper to the complete Christmas shopper. Selling everything from everyday staples to unique hand crafted products to tasty treats and indulgent spoils, there is hardly any need to go online when good quality items at reduced prices are right on your doorstep. For those who are just out and about and enjoying the attractions in the local villages, be sure to look out for a number of hotels and restaurants who are also joining in on the fun.
Starting in Brodick on the well established Xmas Shop Arran trail and going clockwise around the island, all of the participating stores will be suitably decorated with Xmas Shop Arran posters, balloons and decoration. Some might even tempt you with a refreshing glass of Prosecco or mulled wine.
Arran Graphics is the store in Brodick to pick up your Arran inspired gifts with an Arran theme. From their popular clothing line, including the ubiquitous Goatfell Conqueror tee shirt, to Arran games, candles, cushions and collectables, it is all there at their new store in Cladach.
Just a few minutes outside of the centre of Brodick, behind the village primary school, in the quaint and secluded studio of jewellery maker Ann Hume, visitors will receive a warm welcome and an insight into the creations made by this talented artist. Specialising in delicate, intricate and contemporary
jewellery, designed and handcrafter on Arran, visitors are guaranteed to find unique gifts, beautiful precious metal designs and a 10 per cent discount to add to the allure of the desirable and charming jewellery.
Stopping next at The
Boathouse, nestled appropriately on the beach sand of Brodick Bay, visitors will be able to find a host of children’s toys and games that will make any child’s Christmas a happy one. And with a 10 per cent discount over the Shop Arran weekend it will make parents equally as happy. The Boathouse stocks a great range of carefully selected products and toys that are the perfect combination of good value and good quality, not to mention perfect for gifts.
This year at Red Door, the girls have gone all out to bring you the finest selection of goodies for your Christmas shopping needs. Ladies are well catered for with a fabulous selection of super-soft cashmere mix pashminas, an array of beautiful gloves and hats for everyone’s taste, some gorgeous Heaven Scent candles, not to mention the fabulous selection of jewellery and bags that Red Door is renowned for. There is also a great selection of Christmas decorations and gents’ gifts for the men of the family and as always, some lovely toys for the younger members of the family.
Within walking distance, Arran’s only chocolate factory has been producing the finest hand crafted chocolate delights for over 17 years. And at their shop, James of Arran, their years of experience is plain to see, and taste. Offering a tempting array of sweet treats, Christmas gifts, chocolate bars and gift boxes, no visit to Arran is complete without making a mouth- watering stop at this shop.
Two doors down, Bell’s of Arran has recently rebranded itself in an effort to better reflect its mission, which is to sell excess stock from high street shops at bargain prices. Selling everything from men’s, women’s, children’s and babies’ clothing, to footwear, underwear, socks, nightwear, swimwear, school clothing and workwear, they stock just about every type of garment possible, and if you can’t find what you are looking for, they will see if they can source it for you.
Just further down the road at Arran’s specialist outdoor shop with a huge amount of space and an equally large range of outdoor clothing, footwear, rucksacks and equipment and also an impressive collection of whiskies and gins, visitors at Arran Active can look forward to receiving 10 per cent off any purchase over £25 (excluding alcohol) and a chance to enter a prize draw to win a Rab Jacket worth £190.
While there be sure to check out the Arran Gift Box Company who specialise in all things Arran with a range designed to suit all pockets. Their gift boxes contain Arran’s finest produce and special treats. With a uniquely Arran inspired theme, these boxes and hampers are a must for any Arran lover
and especially so with a 10 per cent discount on their Deluxe boxes over the Shop Arran weekend.
Still on the Arran inspired theme, right next door you will find the Taste Of Arran Shop which stocks Arran produce, food and drink and a wide range of Arran items that are difficult to find elsewhere. If it is made on Arran, chances are you will find it at the taste of Arran Shop and with a discount of 10 per cent on all full priced items it is well worth a visit.
Next to that, Buntys strives to capture the essence of Christmas, and you are certain to find a wide selection of tempting gifts for friends and family. With a knack for stocking items all carefully selected to match the style of
the charming shop, Buntys offers something for everyone. While there are smaller gifts that are perfect for Secret Santa, there are also items for the home which are sure to enhance any fashionable decor. Buntys will be offering 10 per cent off all purchases over the Shop Arran weekend.
Also in Buntys you can find Ailsa McNicol Jewellery and this weekend she is offering 10 per cent off all silver jewellery. Ailsa makes a beautiful and unique collection of silver and gold jewellery with semi precious stones. Choose from bangles, necklaces rings and earrings all of which are made on the island.
Staying in Brodick, Homestyles will cater to your every hardware and DIY need. Offering competitive and a surprisingly wide range of items, you will find homeware, hardware and even Christmas lights, tinsel, wrapping, candles and glasses, not to mention a friendly and warm welcome. Homestyles offers a great deal of items that are ideal for the DIY enthusiast and for any home and garden lover - which can also make for thoughtful gifts.
Heading north towards Lamlash, Christmas shoppers can continue their search for bargains with a whole new range of exciting stores to visit. A particular highlight for many, Janelle’s, the interior design gift shop which stocks a wide range of unique giftware and home decor and which always manages to stock tastefully selected and ultra-desirable items. Janelle’s will also be offering a 10 per cent discount to shoppers on everything in-store.
Nearby, at Island Porcelain, if the fantastic 15 per cent discount does not get you, the charming porcelain sheep, seals, birds and sea animals certainly will. The elegant and collectable porcelain designs will enhance any home and are uniquely charming and are ideal as gifts. With no two the same, and each piece individually hand crafted and hand painted, you can be assured that every single piece is a unique and collectable keepsake.
If by now all this shopping is making you hungry then head to The Pierhead Tavern, locally known as The
PHT, where you can get a free starter or dessert with a main meal on presentation of six Shop Arran stamps. They also have the wonderful singer and guitarist, Charlie Gorman playing on Saturday evening , a great round up to your day.
Further down the road at Chameleon where the quality and exceptional good taste never changes, ladies can be assured of a personalised shopping experience and a wide range of desirable clothes, bags and jewellery and a good few imported designs hand selected from across the globe. Chameleon Ladies Boutique will be offering a free scarf to those who spend over £50, along with 20 per cent discount on Fly boots and a number of other promotions and discounts over the Shop Arran weekend.
Further down the road at Arran Fine Foods, which offers a delightful array of quality Arran products including chutneys, mustards, preserves and salad dressings, along with a selection of homeware, cutlery and crockery, visitors who spend over £10 can expect a gift with their purchase.
Continuing with the trail northwards to serene Whiting Bay, shoppers are in for a treat at the Arran Studio where artist Heather Macleod will
Take a well earned rest at The Old Byre Visitor Centre’s Café Thyme, where fantastic food and drink awaits the weary shopper...
welcome you to her uplifting studio. Known for her bright prints, detailed and in vivid colours, most of Heather’s artworks, be it silk prints, candles, cards or crafts, are ideal as presents, or for spoiling yourself. In addition to a 10 per cent discount on prints and candles, the Arran Studio will also be offering the same discount of framing orders over the weekend.
Also in Whiting Bay, Arran’s newest shop Bay Wool and Crafts is an ideal venue for finding perfect gifts. Made up of four artisans, the charming shop houses Katsock Crafts, a soft toy and blankets and cushion business, Scenes of Arran, a photographic art and canvas retailer and the Arran Glass Studio whose stained glass and mosaic creations will tastefully decorate any home or make for unique gifts. Perfectly suited for gifts, the remaining proprietor Granny’s Knits sells baby and toddler wear, dog coats and various other creative and charming hand-knitted items that are all made with love, care and attention to detail.
Further around the island at Blackwaterfoot at the Harbour Shop, the owners are embracing the festive spirit and along with 10 per cent discount over the Shop Arran weekend they are also offering 10 percent off for the entire month of December for customers spending over £20. The Harbour Shop is an Aladdin’s cave of gifts, toys, card, homeware, sweet treats, clothing, books and a number of other items which may surprise you. Add to this a personalised gift basket and a freshly ordered supply of gifts and you will understand why a visit to the Harbour Shop is a must this weekend.
Another unmissable stop on the Shop Arran itinerary is the Old Byre Visitor Centre in Machrie which is offering 10 per cent off all your shopping and 10 per cent off food in Café Thyme with a stamped Shop Arran card, as well as 10 per cent off at the Byre
at Brodick. A delightful place to relax while the children enjoy the play park area, the Old Byre Visitor Centre offers visitors a pleasant shopping experience offering high quality clothing products, handbags and accessories and sheepskin products. After the family have completed shopping and taking in the views an extensive menu of good food awaits in Café Thyme.
At the top of Arran, on its northern point which is a scenic destination in itself, is the home of the Arran Distillery. Their award winning Visitor Centre is geared toward making the visitor feel welcome and ensures that every single visitor leaves with a new knowledge, and usually, appreciation of Arran whisky. The distillery shop stocks all kind all Arran malt whiskies and bottlings and, along with other island products, a range of gifts and souvenirs.
Returning to Brodick and wrapping up a massive selection of choice for the Xmas Shop Arran weekend is the Arran - Sense of Scotland store. Your one-stop shop for island inspired beauty, bath and fragrance products inspired by nature and the beauty of Arran.
The perfect place to pick up bargains and beautiful things which are beautifully made, Arran - Sense of Scotland is offering a generous 15 per cent off all full priced products. The relaxing shopping atmosphere and welcoming staff make this stop another must-visit attraction.
Shop Arran has much to offer and you can use your ArranCard at most outlets, they also make great gifts for friends and loved ones. They can be used in over 50 different shops and restaurants. Visit www.arrancard.com to find out more. With so much to choose from Arran is the ideal place to find the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones.