As seen in last week’s Banner, the launch was kickstarted in style by two Arran girls, Saffron Mullen and Colleen Middleton, along with model and former Miss Scotland Aisling Friel. They were pictured on Brodick beach, dressed as Arran Aloha girls in tartan ‘grass’ skirts to mark the birth of the Island’s destination management organisation. It aims to bring together local businesses with public sector organisations to collectively promote and manage the tourism industry on Arran and follows on from the three-year campaign of Destination Arran.

After the frolic on Brodick beach a community event was held in Ormidale Park from 4pm to 8pm.

Forty local businesses

Local companies were displaying their wares in a collection of marquees and musicians Donal Boyle, Jon Hollingworth, Steve McNeaney, Terry Stevens and Mark Brown entertained the crowd.

Over 40 local businesses have already signed up to participate in the new initiative which is being overseen by seven interim directors.

They are: Alastair Dobson of Taste of Arran, Linda Johnston of Auchrannie country Hotel and Spa Resort, Douglas Davidson of Isle of Arran Distillery, Ken Thorburn of Brodick castle, Penny Brass of Arran Hideaways, Robert Waine of Kinloch Hotel and local businessman Gerard Tattersfield.

VisitArran looks to increase visitor numbers by a further 4,500 throughout the year and generate over £800,000 for the local economy.

Sample the very best

Alastair Dobson, chairman of the new organisation, said: ‘The launch of Visit-Arran is a highly significant development for tourism in the area. Destination Arran fostered the collaboration between the community and local businesses to promote the Island and VisitArran will build on this.’

He added that the aim was that every visitor should have the chance to sample the very best that Arran has to offer. ‘From the minute they step off the ferry they can experience everything from Arran’s high quality food and drink in the restaurants to local beauty products in their hotel room or organise a boat trip or guided walk with their accommodation provider.

‘We want visitors to have a positive holiday experience that exceeds their expectations and will make them want to return to the Island again and again.’

Local co-ordinator Maureen McKenna said: ‘We are promoting Arran The Island coupled with the strapline of ‘island time in no time’ which conveys Arran’s accessibility and relaxing atmosphere.’

Other features of the new campaign will be a series of advertisements to position Arran as a premier short breaks destination and a UK consumer public relations exercise. A series of groups has also been developed focusing on the Island’s environment and wildlife, its unique heritage and cultural events.

Alastair Renwick, managing director of Arran Aromatics said: ‘Supporting Visit-Arran is our way of giving something back to the Island.

‘Visitors to the Island have been vital to Arran Aromatics success. The launch of VisitArran will not only help to promote the Island itself but also all the fantastic qualities that it possesses.’

Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care for Caledonian MacBrayne has prasied the venture saying both firms have similar objectives. He said: ‘We are delighted to see the launch of VisitArran.

‘The objectives of the new initiative are to encourage more visitors to the area, aims which are very much in line with our own goals.’

Maureen McKenna later told the Banner: ‘The launch at Ormidale Park was an unqualified success. I feel that we really connected with the local community.’

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