The Isle of Arran was officially announced as a UNESCO Global Geopark on Thursday 17 April 2025. Arran contains a variety of rock types and structures, vast archaeological and geological heritage, and an array of habitats that all make it a truly unique location. The island has a diverse range of plants and animals that benefit from the landscape and underlying geology, which means that Scotland’s ‘big five’ — golden eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otters and harbour seals — are well established.
UNESCO’s Global Geoparks are areas with internationally important landscapes and rocks, all of which are managed responsibly for conservation, education and sustainable development. Although geology is their foundation, Global Geoparks also bring together other aspects of heritage such as archaeology, history, culture and biodiversity. Collaboration with local people makes the Global Geoparks better places to work, live and visit.