Please see update below from most recent Arran Community Council meeting-provided by Chairperson- Tom Young
We warmly welcomed new Lochranza and Shiskine Valley Representatives. During September, they have worked hard to get up to speed and are already making a valuable contribution.
With our new additions onboard two other representatives took the opportunity to bow out ahead of our Oct AGM. We say good bye to Adam Norman (whom was struggling to juggle work, lifeboat and Coastguard duties). We also say a fond farewell to Jim Henderson, ACC Secretary. Jim has given decades to pubic service with 14 years on ACC, most latterly as Secretary. He now wishes to pass the baton on, leaving the Community Council in fine fettle thanks largely to him and his guidance. Jim’s excellent book is also out now: ‘Arran Through Time’. Available in all good book shops and probably Lamlash Golf Club if you ask them!
ACC Vacancies(4/12): Shiskine Valley (1), Corrie and Sannox (1), Lamlash (2) - please get in touch if this interests you!
Last month we made funding awards to Pirnmill Hall and Arran Civic Trust. We also offered partial awards to Shiskine Hall and Disability Arran. Maeve from COAST joined us to explain their thoughts and response to the most recent Marine Protected Areas consultations. - They hope to run drop-in sessions to help the public navigate and respond most effectively. - Please look out for it!
Place Plans - arenot “another plan”! This is a vitally important part of Planning (built and natural environment) on Arran. Where in your area should be developed, where should not? What types of development should be allowed etc. Individuals should discuss ideas with their village/island groups (improvements, hall committees etc) Groups should liaise with ACC - get in touch to get involved!
Find out more here. Full meeting minutes are also available on the Arran Community Council website and Facebook page.
Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment – Public Engagement Events
Members of the public are invited to attend two drop-in engagement events to learn more about the redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour and share their views on the developing proposals.
Event details
Brodick: Tuesday 27th October 2026, 4pm–7pm at Ormidale Pavilion, Main Street, Brodick, KA27 8DL.
Ardrossan: Wednesday 28th October 2026, 4pm–7pm at Ardrossan Civic Hall, 150 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, KA22 8EU.
The events will provide an opportunity to find out more about the redevelopment process, the development of harbour requirements and how community feedback can help shape the proposals.
Representatives from CMAL, CalMac, Transport Scotland and the project design team will be available to answer questions and hear feedback. Topics will include the marine design, terminal building, site layout, key features and accessibility of the facilities.
The events are open to everyone, and no booking is required. Attendees can drop in at any time between 4pm and 7pm.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: Patient and Carer Meeting – Have Your Say
Patients and carers are invited to share their experiences and views at a Patient and Carer Meeting as part of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Ministerial Annual Review on Monday 7th December 2026 at University Hospital Crosshouse. Attendance will be available in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. The Annual Review will be led by Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, and will provide an opportunity for participants to speak directly with the Minister and NHS representatives about their experiences of local health services.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is keen to hear from anyone who has used its services within the last 12 months, or who has cared for someone who has accessed its services during that time.
Participants may wish to share their experiences of:
Improvements in care or services.
Challenges when accessing or receiving care.
Communication and support from staff.
Suggestions for improving the patient experience.
Questions about how health services are delivered.
Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to register their interest by Monday 2nd November 2026 using the online registration form here.
Heather Lodge What's On
Dementia Connect
Dementia Connect is a free, personalised support service from the Alzheimer’s Society that helps anyone affected by dementia access the right information, advice and local services. It offers support by phone, online and face-to-face, connecting people with trained Dementia Advisers who provide practical guidance, emotional support and help to navigate services at every stage of the dementia journey. The aim is to ensure people get the right support at the right time, helping them to live independently for longer and feel less isolated. Click here to access May's newsletter or here for further contact information
Food Share: The Food Share is open to all Arran residents, to help prevent short life food from going in the bin. Take a look at when the Food Share is in your village from the schedule below.
Lochranza Country Inn
When the weather’s grim and even the sheep look unimpressed, the Lochranza Country Inn invites crafters to bring their projects to the pub. Every Sunday from 4–6 pm, tables are set aside for a relaxed, social tabletop crafting session. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, sketching, jewellery-making, or any unfinished project is welcome. There are no workshops or exams — just drinks, easy conversation, and the soothing click of needles while the weather does its worst. Visitors can drop in, craft a little, enjoy a laugh, and stay for the Sunday roast if they wish — no booking or pressure required.
Peace of Mind North Ayrshire
Peace of Mind is designed to fill a “gap” in the existing self-directed support or social care arrangements within
Scotland. Many people who need social care support and have very small hours of support, struggle to recruit or keep
Personal Assistants (PA’s) or to use their social care support package to engage with other people from their communities or friendship groups.
Peace of Mind, an innovative programme aimed at reducing social exclusion and isolation with particular emphasis on people who do not receive statutory services but still need support.
To find out more about the project click the click below
If you’re struggling with your mental health over this time, please reach out to someone. If you feel you can’t talk to someone you know, the organisations below can offer free, confidential support and a listening ear - without judgement. Useful advice and a series of self-help guides can also be found here:
We are a local charitable organisation that provides a range of information and office services to voluntary and community organisations operating on Arran.
