Our second day brought us to the Isle of Arran, often called “Scotland in miniature” for its blend of coastal charm and rugged highlands. We arrived in the morning to find the weather living up to expectations—windswept and wild. The swell made our original landing site at Brodick inaccessible, so we adjusted course and anchored further south off Lamlash. With conditions still unsettled, the morning was spent onboard with our first programme sessions. We gathered for an introduction to the Science Centre and learned more about the optional hikes and kayak excursions available later in the voyage.

Patience paid off. By the afternoon, the winds had eased just enough to allow us to go ashore, and we finally landed for our visit to Brodick Castle. Nestled among woodlands with views across the bay, the castle and its grounds offered a chance to stretch our legs and soak in the atmosphere of one of Arran’s most iconic sites. Back on board in the evening, we joined the Captain’s Welcome in the Explorer Bar—raising a glass together to celebrate the beginning of our adventure, and a successful landing despite the moody Scottish weather.