HISTORY
The Arran Society of Glasgow was formed in 1843, (under the original name of “The Arran Friendly Society”), by a group of Arranites residing in Glasgow. The Society’s original role was essentially a benevolent one, supporting Arran people in need through financial and other assistance.
As the Society evolved its objectives extended beyond benevolence into supporting and encouraging educational and cultural initiatives relating to Arran, assisting young Arran people to progress in trades and professions, and collecting, preserving and publishing materials on the island’s folklore and history. In the early part of the last century the Society published two volumes of what became recognised standard works dealing with Arran archaeology, its history and folklore.
The Society’s funds have gradually grown through donations, bequests and prudent financial management. Income generation has enabled the Society to provide financial assistance to many Arran people over many years. As the welfare state has grown the Society’s benevolent role has been of less significance. Despite this however the Society’s directors continue to find opportunities to provide modest but meaningful financial help in situations where other agencies are unable or unwilling to do so.
The Society has been a consistent supporter of the arts and for many years ceilidhs were regularly run in Glasgow which provided opportunities for fellowship and musical performance. An annual dinner is held to which guest speakers are invited and at which musical entertainment is provided.
The Society is greatly interested in the island’s youth and continues to donate annual prizes to deserving pupils at Arran High School. These prizes are not purely for academic merit but recognise various talents and qualities.
In recent years the Society has fostered strong links with the island’s Heritage Museum. A few years ago the Society published The Place Names of Arran by Ian Fraser of the School of Scottish Studies, an authoritative work which was the result of many decades of research, including significant contributions from the Society’s directorate.
The Society’s membership currently stands at around 500. Membership is open to anyone interested in Arran. Its affairs are managed by a group of directors who meet at regular intervals during the year to transact appropriate business. Given that a significant number of the Society’s directorate are resident on Arran the Society is able to keep up to date with island developments.
The Society is always looking to extend its membership and to identify suitable candidates to serve as office bearers to ensure that its worthy aims and objectives continue to be fulfilled.
SERVING DIRECTORS & OFFICE BEARERS
- Jamie Crawford (President)
- Sarah Weir (Vice-President)
- Kirsty Crawford (Secretary)
- Graeme Kerr (Treasurer)
- Sheila Gilmore (Director)
- Catherine Murchie (Director)
- Gilbert Anderson (Director)
- Mary Margaret Brown (Director)
- Isabel MacMillan (Director)
- Claire Johnston (Director)
- Fraser Davidson (Director)
- Hannah Hynes (Director)
- Gavin Pritchard (Director)
- Julie Macleod (Director)
- Seonaid Daly (Director)
SOCIETY GOVERNANCE
Annual Accounts to September 2024
The Arran Society of Glasgow 