Events 2026
Sea Science on RV COAST Explorer 2026
Jump on board COAST’s research vessel and become a sea scientist. Help us survey the ocean and the animals that call it home during this 2.5 hour experience.
Summer 2026 trips are now available to book.
Pricing: £45 per adult, £30 per child.
Minimum age 6. Maximum 1 adult to 3 children.
Previous Events – 2025
Seaweed Printing Workshop
Join us as we explore the intriguing world of seaweed through science and art! Create your own beautiful cyanotype seaweed prints with professional artist and photographer Christina Riley, whilst listening to kelp expert Dr Veenhof discussing the importance of these underwater forests and the rare insight they give us into the marine world surrounding us on Arran.
Time: 13:30 – 16:30
Meeting Place: COAST Discovery Centre
Pricing: £40 per person
This workshop is suitable for ages 16+
Snorkel Taster Sessions
Looking for the chance to learn to snorkel safely, build your confidence and have fun, whilst being taught by fully qualified BSAC instructors? Then join COAST for one of our snorkel taster sessions!
Summer 2026 sessions are now available to book.
Pricing: £40 per person.
Minimum age 8. All participants must be able to swim 50m unaided.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Seabed Explorer on RV COAST Explorer
Join us on an exploration survey that will allow you to see the seabed like never before – without getting wet! This seabed survey will take you out into the MPA to enjoy Arran’s seas and views, and then use state-of-the-art technology to help us explore the seabed up to 80 metres deep.
Summer 2026 sessions are now available to book.
Pricing: £55 per adult, £40 per child.
Minimum age 6. Maximum 1 adult to 3 children.
Snorkel Seafaris 2026
Already a seasoned snorkeller and looking for the chance to explore Arran’s unique underwater ecosystems? Look no further than one of COAST’s Snorkel Safaris, led by our fully qualified BSAC instructors!
These sessions are suitable only for those who already have prior snorkel experience AND their own equipment. Over 18s only. Limited dates available.
Summer 2026 Seafaris are now available to book.
Pricing: £35 per person
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Sea Science on RV COAST Explorer 2025
Jump on board COAST’s research vessel and become a sea scientist. Help us survey the ocean and the animals that call it home during this 2 hour experience.
Click book now to discover what dates we have available and to secure your booking.
If the boat trip you were interested in is fully booked or the times don’t suit please call us on 01 770 600 656 or email@arrancoast.com as we may be able to run an additional trip.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Kildonan Shore Scramble - Thursday 16th October 2025
Join us as we watch seals and discover the myriad of creatures living on Kildonan’s sandy shores and in the tidal rock pools.
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Meeting Place: Join us from 13:00 for refreshments at Kildonan Village Hall prior to the event.
Pricing: £6.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
COASTal Nature Tour on RV COAST Explorer 2025
Join RV COAST Explorer on a 3hr Coastal Nature Trip around Arran’s coastline to search for seabirds and dorsal fins, and to learn more about our underwater habitat and Arran’s unique coastline.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking – we do not recommend this trip for children under 8 years old.
Snorkel Seafaris 2025
Brand new for the 2025 summer season!
Already a seasoned snorkeller and looking for the chance to explore Arran’s unique underwater ecosystems? Look no further than one of COAST’s Snorkel Safaris, led by our fully qualified BSAC instructors!
These sessions are suitable only for those who already have prior snorkel experience. Over 18s only. Limited dates available across July & August, book now to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
COAST is celebrating its big 30th year!
Get ready for a big summer fun day as COAST pulls out all the stops for a big birthday celebration on Saturday 16th August!
Activities include:
- FREE snorkel taster sessions
- Bouncey Castle
- Seaweed pressing
- Birthday Cake
- FREE boat trips on RV COAST Explorer
- Local live music
- Face painting
- Fly our underwater drone
- Kayaking machine with Kayak Arran
- Seaweed cooking demo
- BBQ
- Zero Waste Cafe – Refreshments only
- Ocean-themed VR experiences
- Plus lots more!
Save the date and let’s make it a 30th celebration to remember!
Festivities will take place in and around the Discovery Centre in Lamlash.
If you’re on Arran and you love the sea, this is a day not to be missed!
Summer Seaside Scavenger Hunt
Join COAST as we celebrate our 30th year with a special sea-themed scavenger hunt!
Tell us where you spotted our 10 marine friends located around the island and help us spread the word as we celebrate 30 years of community-led marine conservation.
Each of our special rocks is being hosted by a small business on the island…take a picture of yourself next to each rock and tag @arran.coast on Instagram to help us celebrate together!
Fill out a worksheet at our Discovery Centre in Lamlash and drop by to show us your photos in exchange for a wee prize.
Our beautiful painted rocks were created for COAST by local artist, Raine Clarke.
30th Celebration Online Art Auction
In celebration of COAST’s 30th Birthday, we are auctioning a
range of sea-themed art work!
Ranging from painted sea creature rocks generously
made by Raine Clarke @underwing_studio to
intricate watercolour paintings by Iona Wood and some stunning photographs
taken by Paul Kay.
Bidding closes at 3pm on the 16th of August during our 30th birthday
celebrations at the COAST Discovery Centre, so make sure to get your bids in by
then!
Brodick Shore Scramble - Tuesday 19th August 2025
Join us as we explore Merkland Shore off Brodick Bay, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Meeting Place: Brodick Castle Car Park (please show your ticket at the gate to let them know you are attending the event. Alternatively, make a day of it and pay to enter the castle and grounds earlier in the day before joining us at 13.30).
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
COAST Ceilidh - Thursday 14th August 2025
Enjoy a special COAST ceilidh on Thursday 14th August!
Join us at Whiting Bay Village Hall for an evening full of sea-themed fun, with prizes for the best ocean fancy dress. Get out your favourite fish print shirts, octopus headwear and best blue dresses and dance with us as we celebrate 30 years of community-led marine conservation!
Time: 19:30 – 22:30. Doors open at 19.00.
Meeting Place: Whiting Bay Village Hall
Pricing: £10 per person. Children under the age of 12 are free (donations welcome). U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
T-Shirt Competition: What does Arran's sea life mean to you?
This year we are celebrating 30 years of COAST and would love you to celebrate with us!
To enter the COAST T-shirt design competition create a design inspired by… ‘What arran’s sea life means to you’
The COAST judging panel will select two winners from the following categories and each winning design will be printed on an organic cotton t-shirt for the winner to wear with pride!
Guidelines:
Create a design inspired by ‘What Arran’s sea life means to you’
Create in a medium of your choice i.e. pencil, ink, watercolour, digital etc.
The design must be suitable for the front of a T-shirt (Approx. print area A4)
Complete and submit this form and email a photo of your design to – email@arrancoast.com with T-shirt competition as the email subject or bring your design to the COAST visitors centre.
Entries must be submitted by 25th July 2025
COAST will contact the winner/s by 4th August (the original design will be required for print purposes) and present the winning t-shirts at the COAST Celebration event on 16th August.
Thankyou for celebrating 30 years of COAST with us and good luck with designing your t-shirt!
Arran Farmers' Show - 6th August 2025
Date: Wednesday 6th August
Time: Judging begins 09.30
Location: Glenkiln Farm, Lamlash
We’ll have a stand alongside our friends from the National Trust for Scotland at this years show. This year will mark the 187th Arran Show and it is set to be a fabulous day out!
Brodick Highland Games - 9th August 2025
Date: Saturday 9th August
Time: From 11.00
Location: Ormidale Park, Brodick
The Highland Games return to Arran! Join us in Brodick as we close the Discovery Centre for the day to make way for a fun-filled stall with marine activities, including displays about COAST’s work, a map exploring What Arran’s Seas Mean To You, and even a little sea-themed face painting! Held almost every year since 1886, this is a great traditional day out for all the family! Heavy events, pipe bands, highland dancing, athletics, children’s fancy dress and stalls galore.
Lamlash Shore Scramble - Friday 1st August 2025
Join us as we explore Lamlash’s old pier, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 10:30 – 12:00
Meeting Place: COAST Discovery Centre
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Kildonan Seals & Shore - Monday 7th July 2025
Join us as we watch the seals and discover the myriad of creatures living on Arran’s sandy shores and in our tidal rockpools.
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Meeting Place: Kildonan Village Hall Car Park
Pricing: £6.50 per person, which includes a hot drink at the Village Hall prior to the event – home-baking available for purchase too. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Whiting Bay Shore Scramble - Monday 14th July 2025
Join us as we explore Whiting Bay jetty, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 09:00 – 10:30
Meeting Place: The Shore resturant, Whiting Bay
Pricing: £4 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Blackwaterfoot Shore Scramble - Friday 18th July 2025
Join us as we explore the rocky shores in Blackwaterfoot, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Meeting Place: Kinloch Hotel Car Park
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Ocean with David Attenborough: Lochranza
Ocean with David Attenborough has made cinematic history, setting a new benchmark for nature films. It is now officially the biggest opening ever for a nature documentary in UK and Irish cinema history, and the most widely released documentary of all time across the region screening in an unprecedented 580 locations.
Time: 19:00-22:00. Doors at 7pm, film viewing will begin at 7.30pm.
Meeting Place: Lochranza Village Hall, Lochranza, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HL
Pricing: Free to attend. Donations to COAST welcome.
Don’t miss your chance to watch it on Sunday 8th June in Lochranza, courtesy of COAST.
Ocean with David Attenborough: Lamlash
Ocean with David Attenborough has made cinematic history, setting a new benchmark for nature films. It is now officially the biggest opening ever for a nature documentary in UK and Irish cinema history, and the most widely released documentary of all time across the region screening in an unprecedented 580 locations.
Time: 19:00-22:00. Doors at 7pm, film viewing will begin at 7.30pm.
Meeting Place: Arran High School Theatre, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, KA27 8NG
Pricing: Free to attend. Donations to COAST welcome.
Don’t miss your chance to watch it on Saturday 7th June in Lamlash, courtesy of COAST.
Previous Events – 2024 & 2023
COASTal Nature Tour on RV COAST Explorer
Join RV COAST Explorer on a 3hr Coastal Nature Trip around Arran’s coastline to search for seabirds and dorsal fins, and to learn more about our underwater habitat and Arran’s unique coastline.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking – we do not recommend this trip for children under 8 years old.
Sea Science on RV COAST Explorer 2024
Jump on board COAST’s research vessel and become a sea scientist. Help us survey the ocean and the animals that call it home during this 2 hour experience.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Kildonan Seals & Shore - Monday 14th October 2024
Join us as we watch the seals and discover the myriad of creatures living on Arran’s sandy shores and in our tidal rockpools.
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Meeting Place: Kildonan Village Hall Car Park
Pricing: £6.50 per person, which includes a hot drink at the Village Hall after completion – home-baking available for purchase too. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Snorkel Taster Sessions 2024
Looking for the chance to learn to snorkel safely, build your confidence and have fun, whilst being taught by fully qualified BSAC instructors? Then join COAST for one of our snorkel taster sessions!
There are a variety of dates and times available in July & August; places are limited and fill quickly so book now to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Kildonan Seals & Shore - Friday 12th July 2024
Join us as we watch the seals and discover the myriad of creatures living on Arran’s sandy shores and in our tidal rockpools.
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Meeting Place: Kildonan Village Hall Car Park
Pricing: £6.50 per person, which includes a hot drink at the Village Hall after completion – home-baking available for purchase too. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Whiting Bay Shore Scramble - Monday 15th July 2024
Join us as we explore Whiting Bay jetty, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 12:00 – 13:30
Meeting Place: The Shore resturant, Whiting Bay
Pricing: £4 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Lamlash Shore Scramble - Thurs 1st August 2024
Join us as we explore Lamlash’s old pier, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Meeting Place: COAST Discovery Centre
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Brodick Shore Scramble - Thursday 15th August 2024
Join us as we explore Merkland Shore off Brodick Bay, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 13:30 – 15:00
Meeting Place: Brodick Castle Car Park (please show your ticket at the gate to let them know you are attending the event. Alternatively, make a day of it and pay to enter the castle and grounds earlier in the day before joining us at 13.30).
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Blackwaterfoot Shore Scramble - Thursday 29th August 2024
Join us as we explore the rocky shores in Blackwaterfoot, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Meeting Place: Kinloch Hotel Car Park
Pricing: £5.50 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome) U18’s must be accompanied by a full paying parent/guardian.
Arran Water's Day 2024
The Community of Arran Seabed Trust invite you to SAVE THE
DATE for Arran Waters Day on Saturday 25th May.
The event, supported by numerous local stakeholders, will
feature water-based activities, educational workshops, and citizen science events.
The Arran community led a successful campaign for the marine protected areas
around the south of the island, and Arran Waters Day aims to celebrate our rich
waters.
The event will be a chance to meet with water sports
providers, clubs, fishermen, seafood providers, and educators from across the
island. You can look forward to a diverse range of free activities and stalls.
Seaweed foraging & cooking demos
Sustainable seafood talk
Trips onboard RV COAST Explorer
Sea-themed face painting and a seashore treasure hunt
Snorkel taster sessions and sea swims
Kayak and stand-up paddleboarding demos
Talks with Dive Arran
Seasearch Stand
RNLI & COAST guard safety talks
Tours of the COAST Discovery Centre
BBQ and live music
Seasearch Observer Course - 11th & 12th May 2024
Interested in getting involved with recording the marine habitats and species that you see underwater and on the shore? If you are, this event could be for you.
From a shore, snorkel or diving perspective, you can learn to identify seabed and seashore habitats, marine plants and animals that you see whilst recording and submitting findings to a national dataset.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Oceans of Value - Film screening & workshop 2024
Join COAST and the Scottish Wildlife Trust for an evening of film and discussion.
When: Tuesday 12th March 2024*
Where: Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick, Isle of Arran
Time: 19:00 – 20:30
We’ll first watch Oceans of Value – a film that captures how Orkney communities value their local marine environment; we’ll then ask you to have your say on the key ocean issues facing the Isle of Arran and Scotland.
Full details can be found here.
*Please note, the original event on Tuesday 13th February has been POSTPONED. Please re-register your attendance for Tuesday 12th March by clicking ‘Book Now’.
Snorkel Taster Sessions - last year 2023
Looking for the chance to learn to snorkel safely, build your confidence and have fun, whilst being taught by fully qualified BSAC instructors? Then join COAST for one of our snorkel taster sessions!
There are a variety of dates and times available in July & August; places are limited and fill quickly so book now to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Kildonan Seals & Shore - Thurs 13th July 2023
Join us as we watch the seals and discover the myriad of creatures living on Arran’s sandy shores and in our tidal rockpools.
Meeting Place: Kildonan Village Hall Car Park
Pricing: £5 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome); please select an U2 ticket so we know how many to expect. U18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Brodick Shore Scramble - Fri 28th July 2023
Join us as we explore Merkland Shore off Brodick Bay, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Meeting Place: Brodick Castle Car Park (please show your ticket at the gate to let them know you are attending the event. Alternatively, make a day of it and pay to enter the castle and grounds earlier in the day before joining us at 13.30).
Pricing: £5 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome); please select an U2 ticket so we know how many to expect. U18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Blackwaterfoot Shore Scramble - Fri 11th August 2023
Join us as we explore the rocky shores in Blackwaterfoot, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Meeting Place: Kinloch Hotel Car Park
Pricing: £5 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome); please select an U2 ticket so we know how many to expect. U18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Lamlash Shore Scramble - Thurs 24th August 2023
Join us as we explore Lamlash’s old pier, where we’ll have a guddle in the rock pools to discover the myriad of marine creatures exposed by the falling tide.
Meeting Place: COAST Discovery Centre
Pricing: £5 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free (donations welcome); please select an U2 ticket so we know how many to expect. U18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please ensure you read the full T&C’s before booking.
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust - joint weekend 2023
Teaming up with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust as part of the Hebridean Whale Trail, COAST are offering a weekend of events, all things dolphin!
Discover Whales and Dolphins evening talk – Friday 14th April 7-8pm. Book here.
Guided Wildlife Watch at Clauchlands Point – Sunday 16th April 2-4pm. Book here.
Ocean Film Night - Friday 27th January 2023
COAST’s Ocean Film Night brings the big screen to Arran, with a diverse selection of short films all about our seas and why we love them.
With films from across Scotland and beyond, the programme will showcase stories of the sea in all shapes and forms, from animated shorts and tales of adventure, to oral histories and thought-provoking documentaries, as well as a few of our favourite Arran sights.
Get inspired to dive in, learn about the fight for healthy seas, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sound of the waves without the snow and rain…
Previous Events – 2022
Curly's Hidden Treasures 2022
Date: Tuesday 5th July
Time: 10.30 – 15.00
Location: COAST Discovery Centre, Lamlash
Can you find all the Curly Octopus hidden around the Discovery Centre? If you do, and can unscramble the letters they are holding to give us a marine themed word you can win a goodie bag of prizes!
No booking necessary, just pop along and say hi.
Suggested £2 donation per entrant.
The Nature Library 2022
Date: Sat 30th & Sun 31st July
Time: 10.00 – 16.00
Location: COAST Discovery Centre
The Nature Library is a reference library and reading space connecting people to land, sky and sea. Popping up in public spaces across Scotland, its travelling shelves hold many branches of nature writing from the classic to the contemporary, fiction and non fiction, memoir, poetry and children’s books.
Watch out for annoucenment of special activites alongside the Library being at COAST.
Arran Farmers' Show 2022
Date: Wednesday 3rd August
Time: 09.00
Location: Glenkiln Farm, Lamlash
We’ll have a stance alongside our friends from the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland’s Forestry at this years show. This year will mark the 184th Arran Show and it is set to be a fabulous day out!
Brodick Highland Games 2022
Date: Saturday 6th August
Time: 11.00
Location: Ormidale Pitches, Brodick
This year the Highland Games return to Arran and we’ll be there with a stand full of marine conservation messages and a tank with beasties to encounter. Held almost every year since 1886, this is a great traditional day out for all the family! Heavy events, pipe bands, highland dancing, athletics, children’s fancy dress and stalls galore.