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Kildonan

Drive south along the A841 on the Isle of Arran and you’ll see signs directing you to Kildonan, one of many charming rural communities on this enchanting island. As you descend the tight and twisting road to the village, the most magnificent view across the Firth of Clyde opens up before you, as captured perfectly here by James.

To the left of the picture, and with the mainland on the horizon, sits the uninhabited island of Ailsa Craig, home to Europe’s biggest gannet colony and an increasingly significant number of puffins. Intriguingly, the granite found here is considered perfect for the manufacture of the world’s best stones for the popular winter sport of curling.

Centre-frame and less than half a mile off Arran’s shore is the Isle of Pladda. The lighthouse was built in 1790 and manned until1990. It’s still functioning today, but is operated remotely from the headquarters of The Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh – a far cry from the days when hand-lit paraffin burners supplied the beam to warn ships.

This particular part of Arran is steeped in history. Perched on the cliffs are the remains of Kildonan castle built in the 13th century by the MacDonalds clan and a former resident, Saint Donan, is allegedly buried on the island. The castle originally belonged to the crown and was used as a hunting lodge by the Kings of Scotland, including Robert III, before becoming the property of the Earls of Arran in 1544. Also, nestled between the dwellings and foliage, is the Kildonan Coastguard lookout tower, which played a key role in World War 2 when it was used to keep an ever-watchful eye over the Firth. Oh, and if you do happen to venture to this tranquil corner of Arran be sure to look out to sea. There’s every chance you’ll spot grey seals.

The Douglas Hotel on the Isle of Arran is exhibiting this edition and others in the Arran series and are available to buy ‘off the wall’ .

THE PRINT

This signed print is one of a limited edition. It’s recorded on Hahnemühle stock via a large format mimeograph and generally referred to as Giclée prints of premium quality. The paper is white 100% a-cellulose with a distinct textured surface and the premium matt inkjet coating more than meets the highest industry standards vis-à-vis density, colour gamut, colour graduation and image sharpness, while preserving the extraordinary touch and feel of genuine art paper. The editions depicted on Iconic Reserve are not representative of scale and solely for the purpose of suggestive display.

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£175

Signed limited edition
1 of 100, 420mm x 597mm
Recorded on Hahnemühle
Arran collection

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