This year the art pieces on display and activities are based on the adventures of the courageous, St Brendan, an Irish Celtic Saint who was born over 1,500 years ago and sailed with a group of friends in a small boat, called a currach, along the west coast of Scotland, stopping at places on the mainland and the islands, including Mull and Iona. An amazing feat made all the more remarkable, by the construction of the currach, which was made from woven branches, ox hides, tanned in oak bark and covered in the greasy oil from sheep skins to make it seaworthy.

It’s not known if St Brendan ever visited Arran but the Kilbrannan Sound, the stretch of water on the west side of Arran, is believed to be named after him.

Brendan the Navigator, as he became known, went on to make many sea voyages in his currach, always pushing the boundaries and sailing into the unknown. It is believed that he even sailed to the north of America. He is the Paton Saint of Sailors and those who need help conquering their fears.

The artwork on display has been created by a small group of children who live on the island and by the well-known Arran artist, Ronnie McNiece