Balmichael Visitor Centre was created in 1995 when the previous owners acquired the former Balmichael Farm, the main buildings of which were a large red sandstone farmhouse with appended bothys, agricultural outbuildings and a mill house all centred around a wide courtyard. At that time all the outbuildings were extensively refurbished, including re-roofing, installation of modern windows and doors and general upgrading where appropriate.

The courtyard was landscaped and further amenities were created outwith the courtyard including a large car park with easy access from the B880 String Road. The Centre nestles in the heart of Arran approximately 7 miles from Brodick and 4 miles from Blackwaterfoot.   It sits amidst rolling fields with excellent views towards the “Arran Alps” and west across Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre Peninsula beyond.

BUSINESS

The centre is focused around the courtyard which comprises of the substantial Farm House, presently used by the owners and family as their main residence, and the adjacent farm cottage named The Old Byre - recently converted from agricultural outbuildings to create a spacious, comfortable additional home.

Across the courtyard is the large coffee shop/restaurant which comfortably seats 46 inside and has a spacious servery area which is well equipped to cope with the present demand.  This building has a basement which forms part of the old Mill House and an attic, currently used for storage above the restaurant area.  There are ladies, gents and invalid toilets.  The restaurant has a free standing solid fuel stove and rear access to further external seating beyond.

To the west side of the courtyard is a very attractive pottery business run by a tenant of many years standing.  This business, which complements the other activities, is extremely popular with families and encourages them to become “hands on” with the pottery.

There are five other retail premises, 3 of which are presently vacant, plus the quad workshop/shed and the building set aside for the laser shooting.  Public toilets are located in the courtyard.

Within the grounds to the west of the main centre is the duck pond and children’s play area with trampolines, and several fields suitable for alternative development.

Close by are two complementary businesses not forming part of the Balmichael Centre.  These include a Golf Range and Helicopter charter business with large shed with landing area which operates throughout the summer months.