Broadcaster Kirsty Wark reveals her great escape
They call it Scotland in miniature and, for broadcaster Kirsty Wark, Arran is small but perfectly formed.
The Newsnight anchor, who visits the west coast island seven or eight times a year, is captivated by its charm.
Kirsty has filmed a guest spot for BBC Scotland first travel show Getaways, taking viewers on a whirlwind tour of her favourite haunts.
“Arran is one of those places that I’ve fallen in love with – and never need an excuse to go back,” said the TV presenter. “It’s where I’ve been going since I was a baby, where I set my first novel. I go over for the afternoon, sometimes overnight or for a more lengthy stay, but I’m really there all the time. It’s a wonderful place. So peaceful and beautiful, with gorgeous beaches and forest walks.
“It’s somewhere where I can fill a whole day just pottering around, whether that be reading, writing or cooking.” She added: “A place where people just seem to disappear. It just never feels busy.”
But Kirsty says there is a key ingredient to good holidays. “I’ve had some really memorable holidays, but the best ones are those spent with family and friends, and where you are really doesn’t matter,” she said.
“From visiting my son who lives in New York to my daughter’s wedding at Brodick Castle, and getaways to Galloway and Fife, and Grenada and Seville, I love a good mixture of home and away.
“But when I close my eyes and think of holidays I can see a map of Scotland and that shows how much I love it.”