Cumbrae Lighthouse

Little Cumbrae is a small, rocky island in the Firth of Clyde, south of its larger neighbour Great Cumbrae. It has steep cliffs and rough terrain, unlike the greener Great Cumbrae nearby. The island’s geology is mostly hard igneous rock with some sedimentary outcrops on the east side. Little Cumbrae House stands near the eastern shore, facing the mainland town of Largs. A few uninhabited islets, including Castle Isle, lie close to the east coast. The island once had a small population, peaking at 23 in the late 19th century. The lighthouse on the western coast is one of the island’s main features. The first was built in 1757 by James Ewing, the second lighthouse in Scotland, using an open coal fire. Thomas Smith designed the traditional lighthouse in 1793, which included a foghorn added in 1865, the first in Britain. The tower was restored in 1956, and a modern light replaced the old one in 1974. The 1793 tower has been unused since 1997, with the light now on a smaller adjacent tower. Visitors find a quiet, rugged landscape with dramatic coastal views. The remains of the 1757 lighthouse can still be seen on Lighthouse Hill. The island’s history includes early Irish monks and a castle linked to Robert II. Little Cumbrae House, a 20th-century building, is the main settlement today. The rocky shores and raised beaches show signs of past glaciers and marine activity. The island’s isolation and natural beauty make it a peaceful place to explore.