A busy, diverse and successful walking and commemorative week on beautiful beautiful Arran, SW Scotland. This fifth year running so smoothly, now without dear John, by virtue of quiet planning, organising, collaboration and leading by several very good souls.

Loran: Thanks Steve, sorry that you can't join us. See you another time.

Unfortunately I will not be able to make it this year. Will miss not being there and I wish everyone a great week.

Hi, just a final reminder. There are 5 people down as definites for this invite that aren't on the current Arran WhatsApp group (Arran 2026). They are Wen, Anne, Ian, Marina and KC. If you're going to Arran you need to be on the WhatsApp group otherwise you won't know what's going on (see my previous comment on 23/10/25).
There are currently 20 people on the WhatsApp group going to Arran.

Arran 2026 - look forward to meeting all.

Hey Everyone, if you’re not on our Arran Whatsap group, you may not have seen our latest chat about the BBq /Sing-song , which we aim to do again..in John’s memory.
The thing is, we don’t know where to hold it this year..as the usual venue, Middleton’s camp site are under new management and not open yet to chat with.
So….question 1. Who is up for it? Attending and taking part, if you wish?
Question 2. Any suggestions as to where?(you may be at a campsite where you can chat to owners and ask if its ok etc). (I’ll be contacting the Sleep Huts at Lamlash where i and 7others are staying)
Question 3. Who can play an instrument??? Any instrument?
🙂

joes: We'll look forward to seeing you there. Let Sheila know so that she can add you to the WhatsApp group. Activities will be organised through the WhatsApp group and there's already been a lot of ideas as well as information on it.

Coming booked ferry and sleep hut af Lamlash

joes: Happy Christmas to you too. There isn't a lot of reasonably priced accommodation on Arran so most people camp or book a while in advance. Some people will be camping on Middletons at Lamlash. At least 5 of us are staying in the Sleep Huts at Lamlash whilst others that I know of are in Airbnb or cottages.
Hope you find something soon. If you message SheilaB to get on the WhatsApp group somebody might have booked accommodation that you can share. The ferries can be booked now.

I've tried to book but can't get anything I've booked all the hotels up and down. Has anyone managed to? Happy Christmas

Kath_T: thanks I was aware it would be better donesooner than later that's why I looked at it so I'll check again soon. I'm hoping to come for the first and weekend walks

joes: I think we booked the ferry for this year in December last year as soon as the timetable for May was put on the Calmac site. The ferries can get booked up for vehicles, especially if there are problems with the ferries, so it is best to book early for a specific date/time.

I looked at the calmac site and there didn't seem to be anything in May. Do they come up later?

Roland_C: fabulous! I’m practising already !

Hi Clarely,
I have pdf copies of John Harris's favorite songs.

Please can the following definites; Marina, Anne, Wen, KC and clearbluesky send SheilaB a private message to give her your mobile numbers so that she can add you to the Arran WhatsApp group. All activities are organised through the WhatsApp group and it's already active so if you can do it as soon as possible you won't miss things.
I already have your mobile number Ian so I'll pass it on to Sheila.
If anyone else puts themselves down as a definite then please message Sheila so that she can add you to the WhatsApp group.

That's great Nick. I'll give Sheila your mobile numbers so that she can put you both on the Arran WhatsApp group that she's set up. It's already active.

Gill and I have booked a cottage for the week. Looking forward to it. Nick

I can have a go Kath..so it’ll be tears of laughter as well as sad tears!

I think I'll be in tears too Clare especially if you try to sing Wild Mountain Thyme in a Glasgow accent!

Kath_T: Spot on Kath..i will look into those suggestions!
John always made me laugh because just about every song he sung was performed in a strong Glasgow accent. I loved it!
We have to do that for Wild Mountain Thyme! However.i think i will be in tears throughout that particular song😢

That's brilliant Clare, that you're wanting to organise this in memory of John. He would be proud of you.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of people to sing but as you say it would be good if some people can play the guitar or another instrument.
I think we'd definitely need to sing Wild Mountain Thyme, some Eagles and 'I would walk 500 miles' for John.

Now then..are there any musical people going to Arran? When i was last there, John H rallied us all into a pretty good sing-song round the camp fire. It was brilliant!
So wouldn’t it be great to do something in his memory?
I can play and sing..but it would be great if anyone else does also and we can get a Set List together lol😃. It has to be done…John would expect nothing less.

Kath_T: hi …. I will camp 👍🏻😀

That's great Anne. Have you booked accommodation or will you be camping?

I will be going 👍🏻😀

Thanks Chris, unfortunately it's been like that for the last 2 years that we've been in May. We'll have to see what the situation is when we can book the ferries, probably later this year.

Ferries from Ardrossan run instead from Troon to Brodick much of the time at least until the end of March says the CalMac website (and as I experienced in July 2025) so be wary if using public transport to get to port or booking without first speaking with CalMac. The problem seems to be ongoing/long term.

Just to clarify, the full week is 6th - 13th May and a lot of people do come for the whole week but people are also welcome to come for part of the week.

That's great Roland, glad you'll be there.

I have booked accommodation in Lamlash from 6 to 13 May 2026.
Looking forward to it.

I've taken over the admin for this invite of JohnH's as he's not able to do it. I've not changed any of the wording on his invite.
I hope a lot of people attend as it'll be a good tribute to John.