ARRAN Sense of Scotland began over 35 years ago with a simple but heartfelt idea — to offer visitors to our beautiful island a way to take a little piece of Arran home with them. What started as Arran Aromatics has grown into a beloved collection of bath, body and home care products, inspired by the rugged beauty and restorative spirit of our island. From the beginning, we’ve been driven by more than fragrance and formulation — it’s always been about connection. To nature. To wellbeing. And to each other. Answering the Call In March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our founder Janet Russell reached out with a message that brought everything into focus. The island community we love so dearly was in need. There weren’t enough hand care essentials to go around — and in a moment when soap and water were among our greatest defenses, we knew we had to act. Within days, we began producing 15,000 bars of soap, packaged into family bags of five, and distributed them freely across Arran to anyone who needed them. No fanfare. Just a quiet commitment to care. Rising to the Challenge — Together Like so many businesses, we were facing extraordinary challenges. But even in uncertainty, our purpose became clearer than ever. As messages of thanks began to pour in — stories of comfort, moments of calm, and deeply personal expressions of gratitude — we were reminded of the emotional connection people share with our products. It wasn’t just soap. It was a sense of being seen, supported, and remembered. We were humbled and moved. And inspired. A Purpose Rooted in Nature From this experience, we crystallised our purpose: To help the world create empowering connections with nature. We believe that when you nurture a relationship with the natural world, you strengthen your mental wellbeing. It grounds you. It restores you. It gives you the energy to care for yourself and the strength to uplift others. That’s why we’re committed to partnering with like-minded organisations to shift how we think about health — making mental wellbeing just as important as physical health. Giving Back, Going Beyond With this renewed clarity, we expanded our efforts beyond Arran. We turned our attention to frontline workers across Scotland — the people who showed up, day after day, to care for others during the most difficult moments. Since May, we’ve donated over £100,000 worth of products to key workers and volunteers in the NHS, care homes, and community facilities. More than 60,000 products were sent across the country — not just for hygiene, but to provide a moment of peace, relaxation, and care. The impact has been profound — and deeply human. We’re proud to have played even a small part in supporting those who give so much. Continuing the Conversation Our work was even featured on ITV’s Lorraine, as part of a segment on mental wellbeing. That visibility sparked a beautiful new initiative: frontline workers began sharing their stories, advice, and reflections through our blog, continuing the conversation about the importance of looking after our mental and emotional health. Looking Ahead As we emerge from a time of crisis into a time of rebuilding, we carry with us the lessons and the love shared by our community. Our purpose is more than words — it’s a promise to keep creating products that care, moments that matter, and connections that empower. We’re ARRAN Sense of Scotland. And we’re here to help the world feel a little more grounded, a little more connected, and a little more cared for — one beautiful moment at a time. “The Isle of Arran is home to our Brand and has been for over 30 years. For me and my family, The Isle of Arran has always embodied relaxation, family time and love of the outdoors and nature. The ferry crossing creates that physical barrier from the mainland that almost acts as a switch that instantly allows you to escape from the stresses and pace of everyday life. This opportunity offered by our island home to escape, recharge & rejuvenate, for me, perfectly represents ‘wellbeing’, both physical & mental. With the restrictions brought around by lockdown, looking after our wellbeing has never been so important. We at ARRAN Sense of Scotland, by living our Purpose, aim to bring The Isle of Arran to the world and, through our products, create empowering connections with nature” – Kevin Meechan, CEO“The last 100 days of lockdown has changed so many things that we took for granted, turning the world upside down, separation from our family, friends and colleagues. Some things I enjoyed before I always knew were a treat and others I was able to enjoy regularly (like watching rugby or going to the beach in any weather!). For me, I did not realise how much my mental health relied on these little luxuries until they were taken away. Working from home has been both a strain and a gift. The lines blur and switching off has been a challenge, but as a family, we are still all speaking with each other, and figuring out slowly what we need to do to look after ourselves. From day one, we knew we must exercise and keep fit, but I don’t think we had any idea how important it would be to work on our mental wellbeing at the same time. The body needs the mind and for me connecting them both through nature is a great place to start.” – Andrew Russell, Sales & Marketing Director. We also love to hear from our customers. Connect with us through our social channels or email us directly at info@arran.com and we, as a community, can begin to build empowering connections with nature to support all of our mental wellbeing.
