Great Cumbrae Island

Great Cumbrae lies in the Firth of Clyde, the larger of the two Cumbrae islands off North Ayrshire. Its main settlement, Millport, curves around a sheltered bay on the south coast. The island rises to 127 metres at The Glaid Stone, a prominent summit with an orientation point marking distant landmarks. Clear weather brings views north to Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps, west to Bute and Arran, and south to Ailsa Craig sixty kilometres away. The land is mostly farmland, with the Millport Golf Club owning another large share. The island’s history includes early Christian figures such as St Mirin, who is said to have driven out snakes around AD 710. The Cathedral of The Isles now stands on the reputed site of his preaching. In 1263, King Haakon of Norway may have anchored his fleet at Ballochmartin Bay before the Battle of Largs. Later, the island became known for fishing records like the 1902 herring surge reported by the Fishery Board. Tourism grew in the 20th century as steamers brought Glaswegians for holidays. Visitors find the Cathedral of The Isles, a small Episcopal cathedral set in gardens near the shore. The FSC Millport centre offers field courses in refurbished university buildings. Geological features such as Lion Rock and Queen Victoria’s Face draw walkers along the coast. The island’s highest waterfall, Horse Falls, drops over old sea cliffs at Bell Bay. A coastal road follows the raised beach that rings much of the island, linking quiet bays and farm tracks.