Who we are

Management

Arran Geopark is a Registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC052706) managed by a volunteer board:

• Sheila Gilmore,  Chair, Arran Geopark & CEO, VisitArran
• Stuart Blake,  Director, Lochranza Centre CIC; Director, Arran Access Trust
• Margaret Bruce,  co-opted member for Arran Heritage Museum
• Paul Kay,  Photographer, Marine Wildlife
• Jackie Kemp,  Forester, Forestry and Land Scotland
• Richard McMaster,  Councillor, Arran Community Council
• Áine Purcell-Milton,  Executive Director, Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST)
• Kate Sampson,  Senior Ranger, Goatfell & Brodick Country Park, National Trust for Scotland
• Anne Sheppard,  Chair, Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST)
• Rob Stevens,  Artist-Sculptor, co-opted member for Arran Theatre & Arts Trust
• Judi Worthington,  Centre Manager, University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) Argyll

Staff

Arran Geopark is operated by the following staff:

• Malcolm Wilkinson – Geopark Operations Manager
• Geopark Ranger Team – Operates from May to end September

To contact the team please get in touch.

Funding

Grant funding for 2023-24 has been received from North Ayrshire Council’s Community Investment Fund, NatureScot’s Green Recovery Fund, Scottish Government’s Islands Heritage & Culture Fund, and the Arran Trust. We are also very grateful to the donations given by private donors. Find out how to donate to Arran Geopark.

History

The potential for UNESCO Global Geopark status for Arran was highlighted in 2015 when the Cold Water Islands Tourism Conference was first held on Arran. As a result, in 2016 the Arran Access Trust led a partnership with the Lochranza Centre CIC, National Trust for Scotland, and the Arran Heritage Museum with the aim to:

“improve footpaths around important geological sites on Arran and work together to develop and improve digital information and interpretation centres for Geology on Arran, paving the way for Arran to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status.”

The partnership led to a successful funding bid to the Scottish Government’s Coastal Communities Fund. Further funding was gratefully received from the Arran Trust, North Ayrshire Council, and from private donors.

A Geopark Coordinator and a Ranger were employed to drive the project forward. Information centres were created in Brodick and in Lochranza; the Arran Heritage Museum’s geology exhibits were also upgraded. A leaflet describing six waymarked walking trails was created and outdoor interpretation panels were commissioned for key viewpoints and geological sites. Understanding of our rich geoheritage was enhanced through guided walks, talks and outreach to local schools.

A footpath team was employed by the Geopark (2017-2019) to undertake key areas of footpath work. This focussed primarily on sites of geological significance – works were completed at Corrie, Drumadoon, Newton Shore, Kildonan, North Glen Sannox, and in the Northern Mountains. The footpath team also provided training opportunities by employing trainees on to develop specialist skills and gain certificates in chainsaw use and in first aid.