Our Story – The History of Lochranza Centre
The Lochranza centre CIC has been providing outdoor education for over 45 years.
Founded in 1979 by Hugh and Christine Mckerrell, Lochranza Centre began as an outdoor study centre in the old primary school building. By the mid-1980s, thanks to support from the Highlands and Islands Development Board, capacity expanded to accommodate 80 visitors.
In 1990, ownership passed to Peter Gordon Lawrence of PGL, who further developed the centre’s outdoor activities and family adventure holidays, increasing capacity to over 100 guests.
When PGL decided to step away in 2015, Stuart Blake and Chris Traill—both with decades of experience at the Centre—led the transition to a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. With support from investors, Triodos Bank, and the local community, Lochranza Centre officially re-launched on October 20th, 2015.
We take great pride in running the Centre and continuing its legacy as a place for learning, adventure, and community.
Community Action
As a Community Interest Company, the Lochranza Centre is deeply committed to supporting both the people and the environment of Arran. We regularly organise family-friendly community events, craft fairs, and seasonal celebrations, and provide a welcoming venue for local groups and island initiatives.
Our team also lends a hand across the island—including environmental initiatives such as tree planting in Glen Rosa, helping the local primary schools (running forest schools and cycling events), providing first aid at major events, and co-leading walks for the Arran Mountain Festival.
We take pride in giving back to the community
Our Sustainability Journey
At the Lochranza Centre, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Isle of Arran, we are committed to protecting the environment we’re fortunate to call home. This year we became part of the Zero nation accelerator programme which aims to reduce emissions to zero on Arran by 2030!
We’re actively working towards becoming a fully sustainable, net-zero centre by taking practical steps such as improving insulation throughout the Centre, harnessing renewable energy through solar panels and air source heat pumps, and transitioning to electric transport with the purchase of two 8-seat electric minibuses. We also provide public electric charging points and water refill stations. For 2025 onwards we would like a small wind vane, a second 20kw array of solar panels and a third electric minibus. Watch this space for continued progress
Our commitment goes beyond our facilities—we take part in local conservation efforts including beach cleans, invasive species removal, footpath maintenance, and native tree planting in Glen Rosa. We also teach guests to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and proudly support both the Arran Geopark and the Arran Access Trust.
As an environmental education centre, we believe it’s our responsibility to lead by example—promoting ethical travel, protecting our natural surroundings, and helping to build a more sustainable future for the next generation.
