Kildonan, Arran
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Kildonan is a village on the south coast of the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. The name Kildonan derives from Saint Donan who is reputedly buried in the village. Early life in the village revolved around Kildonan Castle (sometimes referred to as Kildonan Tower). Once a royal seat, the castle passed hands between various Scottish nobles, before latterly belonging to the Hamilton family in 1544, by which time they were the Earls of Arran. The Tower was later sacked and burnt by the Earl of Sussex around 1558. Ruined remains of the building are still in existence.
The modern village originated from a few small buildings in the district, with the majority of local people engaged in farming. Overlooking the smaller islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig in the far distance, Kildonan is a small community lacking in amenities. There was a primary school in the village, but numbers on the roll declined so much it was shut in 1968. Schoolchildren from the village now have to attend the primary school in Whiting Bay, which is a few miles north. There are two hotels in the village as well as camping facilities. The Southbank Farm Park is nearby as well.
Kildonan was previously the site of the only coastguard station on Arran, but this was closed in 1981 when operations were transferred to Lamlash.
There is a large sandy beach in the village, which is unusual for the geology of Arran where rocky beaches are far more common.
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