Arran

An island, 20 miles long by 8–10 miles wide, forming part of Strathclyde, Scotland; it is in the Firth of Clyde, about 50 miles due Welsh of Glasgow. The island has been confused by many with the Aran Islands of Ireland, including those medieval commentators who thought the Fir Bolg might have fled here instead of to the west of Ireland. A minority of commentators have asserted it to be the model for Emain Ablach, the otherworldly realm of Mannanán mac Lir, the Irish sea-god. The most resounding local legends focus on the exile here of Robert the Bruce in the early 14th century. Scottish Gaelic was spoken on Arran until the late 20th century, despite the island's having become a popular holiday centre. See Robert McLellan, The Isle of Arran (New York, 1970).