Arran Festival of Food and Drink 23rd October – 1st November 2026

Your taste adventure starts here – and we’ve got your ride sorted.  

The Arran Festival of Food and Drink is back – and it’s time to savour the best of the island. From whisky-infused cocktails and gourmet burgers to forest garden tours and mushroom masterclasses, there’s something for every foodie. Whether you're heading over for a day trip or making a weekend of it, let us be your designated driver.

Forget ferry queues, parking stress, or figuring out who’s driving – we’ve got you.

Whether you're a local heading out after work or planning a full-blown foodie day trip, our DayRider tickets have your back with unlimited travel all day long. Here's how to ride in style, save money, and skip the stress:

Why ride with us?

• Free travel for under 22s and over 60s
  Got a valid Young Scot or National Entitlement Card (NEC)? You ride free. No fare, no fuss – just unlimited bus travel to and from the action.
• Group DayRider tickets – big savings for small groups
  Travelling with friends? Our Group DayRider lets up to 5 people ride together and save up to 50%. One person buys the ticket, shows it to the driver, and you're all set – even if you're hopping on at different stops.
• Buy before you board
  Skip the paper tickets. Use the Stagecoach Bus App to buy your ticket in advance. Just buy, board, and go.
• Real-time bus tracking
  Know exactly when your bus is arriving with live tracking. No guesswork, no waiting around.

Getting to the ferry

From Ayr to Ardrossan Harbour
Hop on our 585 for a scenic ride from Ayr to Ardrossan, with stops including Prestwick, Irvine, and Saltcoats. It’s the perfect link to catch the ferry to Brodick.

From Ayr to Troon
Our 14 connects Ayr to Troon with regular services throughout the day.

Getting around Arran

Once you arrive on the island, we’ve got you covered with three local services that connect you to all the festival hotspots:

• 322 – Crosses the island via the String Road, linking Brodick to Blackwaterfoot.  

• 323 – Travels the southern route via Whiting Bay to Blackwaterfoot. 

• 324 – Takes the northern coastal route via Lochranza to Blackwaterfoot. 

These services are timed to meet ferry arrivals and departures, making it easy to explore the island while leaving the car at home. Whether you're heading to a cocktail masterclass at The Douglas Hotel or a pumpkin workshop at Arran High School, the bus will get you there.

Arran Festival of Food and Drink 2026 calendar of events and menu specials

Celebrate the vibrant flavours of Arran with over a week of delicious events, local produce, and culinary creativity. From Mini Beer Fest by the Beach or Wild Isle Whisky and Venison Supper, this festival showcases the best of Arran’s food journey.

View full event listings and plan your visit

Your designated driver for the day

Whether it’s a whisky cocktail at The Douglas Hotel or a cinnamon bun at Old Pier Café, we’ve got your ride sorted. No taxis, no hassle – just good times.

So grab your NEC card, round up your pals, and download the Stagecoach Bus App to plan your perfect foodie adventure. 

Visiting Arran for the Festival?

Whether you're lucky enough to live on the island or just visiting for the day, we’ve got travel options to suit everyone:

• £2 Fare Cap

     Travel for no more than £2 single from your driver

• Arran DayRider and Group DayRider
  Unlimited travel across the island for the whole day.
• Staying longer?
  Choose from an Arran MegaRider, Flexi 5, or Flexi 10 tickets for flexible travel throughout the festival.
• Coming from the mainland?
  The Stagecoach West Scotland Connect ticket gives you unlimited travel from your front door to the festival and back – all in one ticket.

And remember, if you're under 22 or over 60, you travel completely free with a valid Young Scot or NEC card.

Download the Stagecoach Bus App, grab your ticket, and let the adventure begin!