In 2011, Millport considered applying for city status, on the basis of having a cathedral. It is notable that the houses are being built primarily by private individuals - with the land having been sold off in the form of single plots. Ĭurrently a large development of around 40 family sized homes is underway between Millport Bowling Club and Penmachrie Farm. The Garrison Model Rail Club, located in cabins on the grounds at Garrison House, welcomes visits to its model railway layouts each week. It now houses the Museum of the Cumbraes, a library, council offices, a GP surgery and the Garrison Cafe. After several years of work renovation of the property was completed in 2008 at a total cost of £5 million. Cumbrae Community Development Company, the local development trust, made a successful bid to the National Lottery and other funders to enable the building to be re-constructed for community benefit. The Garrison House was badly damaged after an arson attack in 2001. The local Lady Margaret Hospital was founded in 1900 and bears the name of Lady Margaret Crichton-Stuart, daughter of John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute as a tribute and mark of respect to the eldest daughter of Lord Bute. Various other churches such as the cathedrals in Nin and Zadar in Croatia lay claim to this title. It is the smallest cathedral in Great Britain and is variously described as "the smallest cathedral in Europe", "the second smallest in Europe", or "probably the smallest in Europe".
The Cathedral of the Isles of the Scottish Episcopal Church, completed in 1851, seats only 100 people. These large houses still form the backbone of the housing stock. Many of these used rock mined from The Eileans. To the west and east of the old harbour, many fine Victorian and Edwardian villas were built, along with new tenements. The Victorian era was a period of rapid growth, both in terms of population, governance, amenities and property. Several of the streets in Millport are named after crew members of the Revenue cutter Royal George.
SeaWind Soaps are based in the heart of the town, and our little shop, SeaWind Treasure, is our factory shop selling our full range of soaps and bath products, and also sells fairly traded goods, and items which are hand made locally.The Garrison House in the centre of town, constructed in 1745, was formerly the barracks/Captain's mansion, then the home of the Earl of Glasgow, and is now in community ownership (see "Current Developments" below).ĭuring the development of the River Clyde as a main thoroughfare for goods, shipbuilding and smuggling, Millport was a strategic base for Customs and Excise. Peopled with a warm and welcoming local population who are always willing to share a laugh and chat with their visitors, Millport is a happy holiday town, well worth a visit or a longer stay. The island has one large, sheltered bay, in which the town of Millport nestles – a Victorian seaside gem, fringed by golden beaches, and dotted with quaint little shops and cafes. From here, you have breathtaking views of the Firth and the dramatic other islands of Arran, Bute and, closest of all, the Little Cumbrae, with its ancient castle and lighthouses.
Rolling green hills slope upwards, through fields and scattered woodlands, to the Gled Stane, the highest point of the island.
The island is 11miles in circumference, sprinkled all around with warm red and grey rocks, numerous golden beaches and rockpools full of bright coloured seaweed, fish and shrimps. Cumbrae is Scotland’s most accessible island, only 10 minutes by sea from the mainland, but with all the magical atmosphere that Scottish islands possess and share with their visitors. SeaWind Soaps is based on the peaceful Isle of Cumbrae, in the beautiful Firth of Clyde.