Advantages: Men don't like it
Disadvantages: Women do

...This is my first, and probably my last, beer review, so be gentle with me. MY USUAL TIPPLE I usually drink vodka in a half pint glass with a splash of diet tonic, topped up with diet lemonade, with ice and a slice of lime, a nice simple drink, but if I’m on the continent, like in Belgium, or Amsterdam I’ll drink beer because they have such a wide variety and it tastes good. Here in Britain the beer tends to be too bitter and too heavy so I leave it alone. HOW I DISCOVEREDTHIS BEER My husband Sam and I went shopping in Waitrose last week and encountered a middle of the aisle “special offer” of two bottles of Isle of Arran Blonde for £3.00. They are normally £1.78 per bottle. My brother in law happens to be a great beer drinker (or he was before his illness) so we decided to buy two bottles to see if we could tempt him. He used... Read review

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Advantages: Nearby, cheap beer, impressive history, beautiful scenery and villages.
Disadvantages: Not for everyone. Entertain yourself, gets tired after a while.

...unique history and culture. While still part of the United Kingdom, it is semi-autonomous and has it's own parliament which in turn means it has its own laws, number plates and so on. History buffs will have a field day on the island, which has innumerable sites of interest scattered across its seventy mile length. Most are ancient Viking sites, but there are several particularly impressive castles in towns such as Peel and Castletown. Stepping off the ferry in particular, you feel as if you have just entered a time warp. The ferry terminal has a distinctly 70s feel to it, while the immediate area of Douglas is a curious fusion of 50s buildings and ultra-modern architecture. One moment you can be walking down a narrow lane of shops, the next you're in one of the modern shopping centres. It's a strange experience but the town's character... Read review

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Advantages: Beauty, wildlife, peace & quiet, no traffic jams
Disadvantages: Weather

...Have you ever fancied a few days on a remote island with the gentle sound of the sea & the beauty of tropical trees & plants? A few days just to relax & completely unwind from the daily stress we all appear to endure. A tropical island in the Pacific Ocean perhaps? Actually no, this is a place not too far from home & at a fraction of the price. The Isle of Arran, official named 'Scotland in miniature'. LOCATION The Isle of Arran is situated in the Firth of Clyde & Kilbrannan Sound in the south west of Scotland. The east coast of the island is only 14 miles off the Ayrshire mainland, the north coast overlooks the island of Bute & the west coast looks over the Mull of Kintyre. Yes, the same place Paul McCartney made famous in his 1977 song & where he often retreats to his farm. HISTORY Hundreds of years ago Arran originally... Read review

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Advantages: scenic, tranquil
Disadvantages: none other than the price of transporting your car across

...The Isle of Arran can be found in the Firth of Clyde on the south west coast of Scotland. Commonly described as ‘Scotland In Miniature’ at 56 miles all round, Arran is separated into its own Highland and Lowland areas and thereby offers a little of everything that Scotland provides, all compacted together into one island. The island is easily accessible being only an hour’s drive from Glasgow and a 55-minute Caledonian MacBrayne ferry crossing from Ardrossan Harbour. For those close by, Arran offers the chance for a great day out to soak up the relaxing island life. Having said this, Arran is a busy wee island, but amongst the business transport, farm vehicles, buses and tourist traffic the tranquil nature shines through. What gives Arran the attractive edge is its situation in the Gulf Stream which in turn... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful scenery and lots to do
Disadvantages: Expensive

...I visited the Isles of Glencoe Hotel in April 2008 with my partner. It was a last minute decision to book a long weekend away to Scotland, and it was by far the best choice we could have made. The views on the drive up to the hotel from Glasgow airport were amazing, and once at the hotel, the scenery was absolutely breath taking. It couldn't have been situated in nicer surroundings. There was plenty to do surrounding the hotel, whether it be outside activities or things to do indoors. The facilities within the hotel grounds were also ample, having a swimming pool and sauna provided, as well as outdoor activities on the the loch. There were also many walks and climbs just outside the main entrance. The staff were also extremely friendly and helpful. The food was delicious, however the service could be quite solw... Read review

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Advantages: beautiful landscape and scenic walks
Disadvantages: not for people who enjoy their nightlife!

...Did you know that the Isle of Man has it's own Government and own Money? But don't worry you don't have to exchange your pennies because the Isle of Man accepts English, Scottish and Irish Sterling! Did you know that the T.T stands for Tourist Trophy?! huh?! Did you know that the Isle of Man only has 2 hospitals, 5 High Schools, original horse and trams from the victorian era, and that it is famous for the T.T Races?! well, if not, what are you playing at. Get those tickets booked and get yourself on the island! Many people have never actually been to the Isle of Man and most people don't know where it is! It is situated in the Irish sea between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Your probably thinking, 'well what makes the Isle of Man so different?' It is a self governing kingdom and has it's own parliament (Tynwald), laws... Read review

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Advantages: Great for Consumption, Gift, and/or Collection
Disadvantages: Arran Limited Edition may have to discontinued due to Gordon's retirement

...Arran is not just famous for its scenic beauty; it has one of the most sophisticated and complex single malt aged in premium cru Bourgogne and bottled in 2006. Only 308 bottles are available. This single cask single malt is bottled at cask strength without chill-filtered, which is a modern process to avoid cloudiness when water is added during tasting. However, most distillers now belief that this process will taken away some of the aromas and taste. Cask strength malts means no water is added to bring down the alcohol %/Vol. The industry standard is 40-43%/Vol. for tax purposes. A cask strength malt can go as high as +/- 60%/Vol. This cask strength malt is very complex and sliky. I nosed honey, chocolate, vanilla, and fruits. The taste is very malty with a hint of peat. As the Alc./Vol. for this malt is 56... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful beaches, beautiful countryside, lovely people
Disadvantages: None at all.

...more to the island, with spectacular views, beautiful sandy beaches. I didn't get the feel for what would be there for young children, but then, I was on the coach for the most part so couldn't explore this over the weekend. There were certainly parties of school children on the island, so presumably there were having excursions. Also, I wasn't aware that the Isle of Man is not actually part of the United Kingdom, but a 'protectorate'. They have their own government and some differing laws from the UK. They have the same monetary system, and the same coinage, but there are still £1 notes, and the coinage has a different pattern on the back. I was able to use the UK money over there, but was warned that I wouldn't be able to use Manx money back home. So, the TT races. Well, the Manx find this a double edged sword. Much... Read review

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Advantages: Picturesque
Disadvantages: Some may find it a little quiet

...The Isle of Arran is situated off the West Coast of Scotland and forms a part of North Ayrshire. It is known as “Scotland in Miniature” and is particularly picturesque during the winter months, when the sky is clear blue (it is sometimes you know!), and the hills of Arran are covered in Snow. I can see the Isle of Arran from my bedroom window, and it is visible from most of Ayrshire. I never tire of looking at it. The name Arran, means “Peaked Island” in Gaelic. Getting There ----------------- Arran can be reached from the port of Ardrossan, and the crossing takes just under 1hr. The ferry is a reasonably large one, and can accommodate many cars. However if you are going for the day only, you are probably better to go as a foot passenger and rely on public transport around Arran, as this is relatively inexpensive whereas taking... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful, relaxing, largely unspoiled, friendly
Disadvantages: The boat trip...!

...year after year after year, and several opt to holiday on the quieter islands of St Martins, Bryher or St Agnes - although St Mary's is hardly a buzzing metropolis! Things to Do As you can imagine, there are plenty of activities within the Isles of Scilly which involve boating and the water. The Quay area in Hugh Town is very busy all day as small boats take visitors to the off islands for day trips, or for cruises. Tresco is extremely popular, due to the Abbey and Gardens I have already mentioned, and it is easy to spend a complete day there, strolling through the gardens, and enjoying a picnic and some time on the beach. Visitors are at the mercy of the weather, and we missed our opportunity to go to St Martins, which is home to the most southerly vineyard in the United Kingdom. Typically day trips leave at around 10am, which... Read review

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