Located on the West Coast of Scotland in North Ayrshire, less than one hour by train from Glasgow and two from Edinburgh, Cumbrae is a perfect day trip for local and international visitors alike, with a brief 8-minute ferry ride from the mainland town of Largs. And you don’t even need a car. In fact, cycling is officially Millport’s national sport! Being just over 10 miles around, and relatively flat, Millport is the perfect place to rent a bike and enjoy a wee cycle round the island.

Surrounded by an ever-changing sea and magnificent views of the surrounding islands of Bute and Arran, Millport embodies the typical small Scottish island community, with an historic Victorian town centre dotted with a range of shops and pubs, encircling a charming harbour. In its heyday in the 1950’s and 60’s, Millport was a favourite family holiday destination “doon the watter” and pictures taken during that time show a thriving town, with thousands of summer visitors enjoying a paddle on one of Cumbrae’s many beaches, strolling along the promenade and participating in a wide range of organised activities and attractions.  

Lured by a longing to escape everyday life and experience a quieter existence, today’s holiday-makers can still enjoy a bit of that time stands still feeling in Millport. Locals and visitors repeatedly remark that once on that short 8-minute ferry journey, surrounded by the beauty of islands and the sea, a transformation takes place and all troubles fade away to feelings of calm and tranquility. Perhaps that’s why you’ll often hear reference to our island as Magical Millport!