h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Scotland - A13101111
Author: SWL™ - U1775547



Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Scotland

On fair Lochranza streamed the early day,
Thin wreaths of cottage smoke are upward curl'd
From the lone hamlet, which her inland bay
And circling mountains sever from world.
(The Lord of the Isle - by Sir Walter Scott)


The Isle of Arran is a small island off the West Coast of Scotland, roughly on the same latitude as Glasgow. About the size of the Isle of Man with a fraction of the population, (about 4500 in the winter), Arran is undoubtedly a beautiful island. There are three roads on Arran. The coastal road which is around 56 miles and follows the coast not unsurprisingly. This is a good distance for cyclists to achieve in a day and many make the trip to circumnavigate the Island. They are quite easy to spot. Their bright red faces and looks of anguish as they contemplate the seriously hilly parts of the route are a sight to behold. The curious thing seems to be that, if you travel clockwise around the island, it’s uphill all the way. However, if you travel anti-clockwise, the hills are even steeper. The traditional thing to do on Arran is to slow down whilst passing them, wind down your window and call out “Only another thirty miles to go”. You will usually be rewarded with a cheery wave. There are two other roads which cross the Island. The String Road from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot which takes in some seriously beautiful views as you pass Goatfell, the highest point on the Island at 2866 ft. Views from the top of Goatfell are spectacular. Every year there is a charity race up the mountain from Brodick and it is a very pleasant walk. It is also the site of the Island’s only recorded murder. In 1889 John Laurie murdered Edwin Rose and stole his boots. After his conviction, the local police returned to the murder scene and buried the boots, “To set his soul to rest”. However, his ghost is rumoured to wander Glen Sannox, often enquiring of hikers, “Huv ye seen ma boots?”

The only other road on the Island is the Ross Road from Lamlash to, well, nowhere in particular really, although it rejoins the coast road in the South near Dippen. This road passes by the farmhouse where the current First Minister of Scotland was born & brought up.

A quick check, you are on the right Island aren’t you?

If you go to Arran looking for hand-knitted sweaters, you’re on the wrong island. You’re thinking of the Isles of Aran, which are a group of 3 islands off the coast of Ireland (a large island full of Irishmen).

And so, to Lochranza

Lochranza is a small village on the northernmost point of Arran. Arriving on the island by ferry at Brodick, (as most do), turn right and follow the road through the villages of Corrie and Sannox and keep going through the increasingly mountainous terrain until you come to Lochranza. Stop the car, get off your bike or rest your feet and listen.

To silence.

It’s a curious thing

The most beautiful air of peace and tranquillity to be found anywhere can be found in Lochranza. The curious thing is, you can see things moving, like the little red Postman Pat van climbing the hill half a mile away, but you don’t hear it

Smart Locals

Lochranza meaning “Loch of the Seals” is a small village huddled on the steep hills surrounding the sea loch. The locals live on the north banks of the Loch whilst the south bank is predominantly holiday homes. When people visit the Island in the summer and fall in love with Lochranza, the locals are quite happy to sell them houses on the south side. What the visitor doesn’t realise is, because the hills are so steep, the houses on the south side only receive a few hours sunshine a year.

Would you like to play a round, deer?

The village boasts every amenity necessary to life. There is a distillery and a golf course. Watch out for the wild deer on the course, they haven’t quite grasped the significance of “Fore” yet.

Additional extras include a Post Office/Grocer/Craft Shop/Newspaper Delivery Service. There is also a Youth Hostel, a Geology Field SUBHEADER, another craft shop, a mobile butcher, a tearoom which is sometimes open and there is also a Pub/Hotel with a wonderfully handcrafted sign made by one of the HooToo Researchers.

No village is complete without a castle.

There is also a semi-ruined castle at the head of the loch. The original castle dates back to around 1260. Robert the Bruce is said to have visited around 1306, landing there from Ireland on his way to ultimately defeating the English at Bannockburn in 1314. It passed through the hands of many titled Lords and was gradually changed into a hunting lodge. It has not been occupied since the 18th Century. If you want to look around inside the castle, go to the Post Office and ask Jim for the keys. There is nothing better than skipping your way over singing “I’ve got the keys to the castle”. Please remember to return the keys.

See where history was made, quite literally.

Crossing over to the North side of the Loch, a coastal walk to the Cock of Arran can be found. This can be quite muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. Pay attention to the geology around you. James Hutton (1726-1797) formulated the Uniformitarian theory of geology by his observations here. “Hutton’s Unconformity” showed that the earth was much older than previously thought. His work here influenced modern scientific thinking as much as Darwin. Geology students from around the world visit each year to see this unusual feature.

Other Locals

Whilst walking, watch out for the wildlife. Wild deer and sheep roam freely. The more notable birds include two pairs of nesting Golden Eagles which are truly magnificent. There are lots of buzzards (known as tourist eagles to the locals).

Unfortunately, bare skin can be exposed to sheep ticks. These sit on tall stalks of grass waiting to attach themselves to passers by. Although small at first, they become gorged with your blood. The best way to remove them is by gripping them firmly between thumb and forefinger and twisting them anticlockwise until they pull free. Do not twist clockwise as parts of the tick will break off under the skin and will become infected. Alternatively, go and see Malcolm the Vet in Brodick and he’ll give you a little plastic thingy to help lift them off.

Midgies are particularly fierce around Lochranza in the late summer. Attracted by the CO2 in your breath, only the females bite but they do so in prodigious numbers. Citronella is a fairly effective repellent. So is staying clear of Scotland in the summer.

Getting out

There is a small ferry terminal in Lochranza where you can continue your journey up the West Coast of Scotland. Check timetables as there is a very limited service in the winter.


But, afore ye go
Before leaving Lochranza, take a stroll along the road to the North of the village towards Catacol. Here you will find the Sailors Grave. John McLean was emigrating to Canada but was taken ill shortly after he boarded the ship. The crew suspected he had the plague so he was put ashore near Lochranza. He wandered into the village looking for help, but the locals turned him away. He turned round and headed for Catacol but was turned away there too. Starving and very ill, he died by the road. The villagers buried him where they found him and carved a headstone for him that can still be seen today. His ghost is said to haunt the area, constantly walking between the two villages asking for help.

It is indeed in Peer Review I'll give the link to the former discussion : http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F57153?thread=3245564

Yep, I'm seeing it too

That's slightly odd, the Edited Guide Writing Workshop conversation should be attached to the bottom of the entry: is this what you meant by saying: 'I think I've also now put it straight into the guide twice' ? Can't explain it otherwise. Never mind, we have the link to the other conversation

I've just emailed the eds... What's best now, do we leave this till the morrow?

What fun!

It is indeed fun, I'm sitting here and - but then it's not me who'll have to sort it tomorrow

I've sorted out the "Fore" problem, I think

So you have I'm not sure, but this not working guide ml is very confusing,I'd rather you did it without the headers and stuff than like it is now
I could check and try to find out why it doesn't work, though

I didn't want to do the GuideML bit anyway. I blame 2legs.

I'm still trying to find out what's wrong with yours I'll get there eventually

I think, SWL, you have not pressed the GuideML convert button in the edit thingummy

Note the restrained demeanour and lack of mention of debauchery, please


W

You've got a couple of pairs which should be instead (also, the first one needs a '/' in the closing tag).

There also appears to be a troublesome '&' (born & brought up) which you just need to change to an 'and'.

Also, each paragraph needs a at the start and a at the end.

Maybe SWL hasn't, but I have - and it looks exactly the same. And it tells me that bad cloding elemnet body expects subheading

Here y'ar, SWL. Copy and paste this in, it should work. Try to edit in Brunel. It is loads easier (just so you all know I am no genius )





Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Scotland

On fair Lochranza streamed the early day,
Thin wreaths of cottage smoke are upward curl'd
From the lone hamlet, which her inland bay
And circling mountains sever from world.
(The Lord of the Isle - by Sir Walter Scott)


The Isle of Arran is a small island off the West Coast of Scotland, roughly on the same latitude as Glasgow. About the size of the Isle of Man with a fraction of the population, (about 4500 in the winter), Arran is undoubtedly a beautiful island. There are three roads on Arran. The coastal road which is around 56 miles and follows the coast not unsurprisingly. This is a good distance for cyclists to achieve in a day and many make the trip to circumnavigate the Island. They are quite easy to spot. Their bright red faces and looks of anguish as they contemplate the seriously hilly parts of the route are a sight to behold. The curious thing seems to be that, if you travel clockwise around the island, it’s uphill all the way. However, if you travel anti-clockwise, the hills are even steeper. The traditional thing to do on Arran is to slow down whilst passing them, wind down your window and call out “Only another thirty miles to go”. You will usually be rewarded with a cheery wave. There are two other roads which cross the Island. The String Road from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot which takes in some seriously beautiful views as you pass Goatfell, the highest point on the Island at 2866 ft. Views from the top of Goatfell are spectacular. Every year there is a charity race up the mountain from Brodick and it is a very pleasant walk. It is also the site of the Island’s only recorded murder. In 1889 John Laurie murdered Edwin Rose and stole his boots. After his conviction, the local police returned to the murder scene and buried the boots, “To set his soul to rest”. However, his ghost is rumoured to wander Glen Sannox, often enquiring of hikers, “Huv ye seen ma boots?”

The only other road on the Island is the Ross Road from Lamlash to, well, nowhere in particular really, although it rejoins the coast road in the South near Dippen. This road passes by the farmhouse where the current First Minister of Scotland was born and brought up.

A quick check, you are on the right Island aren’t you?

If you go to Arran looking for hand-knitted sweaters, you’re on the wrong island. You’re thinking of the Isles of Aran, which are a group of 3 islands off the coast of Ireland (a large island full of Irishmen).

And so, to Lochranza

Lochranza is a small village on the northernmost point of Arran. Arriving on the island by ferry at Brodick, (as most do), turn right and follow the road through the villages of Corrie and Sannox and keep going through the increasingly mountainous terrain until you come to Lochranza. Stop the car, get off your bike or rest your feet and listen.

To silence.

It’s a curious thing

The most beautiful air of peace and tranquillity to be found anywhere can be found in Lochranza. The curious thing is, you can see things moving, like the little red Postman Pat van climbing the hill half a mile away, but you don’t hear it.

Smart Locals

Lochranza meaning “Loch of the Seals” is a small village huddled on the steep hills surrounding the sea loch. The locals live on the north banks of the Loch whilst the south bank is predominantly holiday homes. When people visit the Island in the summer and fall in love with Lochranza, the locals are quite happy to sell them houses on the south side. What the visitor doesn’t realise is, because the hills are so steep, the houses on the south side only receive a few hours sunshine a year.

Would you like to play a round, deer?

The village boasts every amenity necessary to life. There is a distillery and a golf course. Watch out for the wild deer on the course, they haven’t quite grasped the significance of “Fore” yet.

Additional extras include a Post Office/Grocer/Craft Shop/Newspaper Delivery Service. There is also a Youth Hostel, a Geology Field, another craft shop, a mobile butcher, a tearoom which is sometimes open and there is also a Pub/Hotel with a wonderfully handcrafted sign made by one of the HooToo Researchers.

No village is complete without a castle.

There is also a semi-ruined castle at the head of the loch. The original castle dates back to around 1260. Robert the Bruce is said to have visited around 1306, landing there from Ireland on his way to ultimately defeating the English at Bannockburn in 1314. It passed through the hands of many titled Lords and was gradually changed into a hunting lodge. It has not been occupied since the 18th Century. If you want to look around inside the castle, go to the Post Office and ask Jim for the keys. There is nothing better than skipping your way over singing “I’ve got the keys to the castle”. Please remember to return the keys.

See where history was made, quite literally.

Crossing over to the North side of the Loch, a coastal walk to the Cock of Arran can be found. This can be quite muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. Pay attention to the geology around you. James Hutton (1726-1797) formulated the Uniformitarian theory of geology by his observations here. “Hutton’s Unconformity” showed that the earth was much older than previously thought. His work here influenced modern scientific thinking as much as Darwin. Geology students from around the world visit each year to see this unusual feature.

Other Locals

Whilst walking, watch out for the wildlife. Wild deer and sheep roam freely. The more notable birds include two pairs of nesting Golden Eagles which are truly magnificent. There are lots of buzzards (known as tourist eagles to the locals).

Unfortunately, bare skin can be exposed to sheep ticks. These sit on tall stalks of grass waiting to attach themselves to passers by. Although small at first, they become gorged with your blood. The best way to remove them is by gripping them firmly between thumb and forefinger and twisting them anticlockwise until they pull free. Do not twist clockwise as parts of the tick will break off under the skin and will become infected. Alternatively, go and see Malcolm the Vet in Brodick and he’ll give you a little plastic thingy to help lift them off.

Midgies are particularly fierce around Lochranza in the late summer. Attracted by the CO2 in your breath, only the females bite but they do so in prodigious numbers. Citronella is a fairly effective repellent. So is staying clear of Scotland in the summer.

Getting out

There is a small ferry terminal in Lochranza where you can continue your journey up the West Coast of Scotland. Check timetables as there is a very limited service in the winter.


But, afore ye go.

Before leaving Lochranza, take a stroll along the road to the North of the village towards Catacol. Here you will find the Sailors Grave. John McLean was emigrating to Canada but was taken ill shortly after he boarded the ship. The crew suspected he had the plague so he was put ashore near Lochranza. He wandered into the village looking for help, but the locals turned him away. He turned round and headed for Catacol but was turned away there too. Starving and very ill, he died by the road. The villagers buried him where they found him and carved a headstone for him that can still be seen today. His ghost is said to haunt the area, constantly walking between the two villages asking for help.

I'd made a few changes Wilma, but I've incorporated your BLOCKQUOTE thingy.

Wilma,I did exactly this, and yet it didn't work - but yours does I think the first header shouldn't be there, though, it's in the title anyway, isn't it ? And I think no entry should be started with a header

SWL, yours still doesn't work - why not cut and paste Wilma's - without the first header ?

Ah, I'm getting a Guide Error Message.

Bad closing element BODY expecting SUBHEADER


If I change to , it then moves the error message to


Bad closing element GUIDE expecting SUBHEADER

Just cut and paste Wilma's without the guide/body, body/guide - they will be added automatically when you put it into guide ml . If you've allready done so, just delete everything you have in there now, cut and paste what Wilma posted ( just without the header ) and it should work

It's this one:

A quick check, you are on the right Island aren’t you?

Should be

A quick check, you are on the right Island aren’t you?