FERRY CROSSING www.calmac.co.uk Now that Caledonian MacBrayne has a brand new ferry on the Largs-Isle of Cumbrae route, you can really enjoy the journey in style. Have an ice-cream or a coffee at the pier while you wait and read about the diverse bir
d-life on the island on the helpful display board next to the Cal-Mac office. Then climb to the new observation deck on the ferry as you cross for a comfy, grandstand view of the firth as they move the scenery.
CATHEDRAL OF THE ISLES, Warden, College Street, Millport, 01475 530353 The cathedral nestles in quiet woodland on the landward side of the town. It is Europe's smallest, with seating for only 70 worshippers. However, it is open every day for visitors and for an oasis of peace and tranquillity it cannot be beaten. The Anglican Church has accommodation for retreats for visitors. During summer there are popular concerts there every Sunday afternoon.
BEACHES AND ICE-CREAM, The Ritz, 24 Stuart Street, Millport, Great Cumbrae, 01475 530 459, www.millport.org.uk The Ritz café in the town centre is a great example of the Italian-style cafés popular here since the Second World War. It houses a juke-box, fine vitrolite panelling and plenty of bench seating. Not least, it has wonderful ice- cream – something you can find throughout the island. There are cafés in Kames Bay at the eastern end of the town and Fintry Bay on the west coast, both next to beautiful sandy beaches that never seem to become crowded.
GARRISON HOUSE, Millport, 01475 530741 This splendid Victorian mansion in the town centre has now been restored to its full glory. The sunken garden in front and the palm trees give an exotic ambience to the house, which is now open to the public every day. It houses a new hi-tech museum describing all aspects of island life past and present. The community is served by the library and doctor's surgery and there is a café that opens out on to the paved courtyard on sunny days.
AQUARIUM AND MUSEUM Glasgow and London universities share a marine laboratory at the eastern end of the town. Attached to it is a fascinating aquarium open to the public – a delight for children to explore on rainy days. The laboratory uses Keppel pier, where once Clyde steamers called in with day-trippers. You can often see its impressive research vessel anchored in Millport Bay. The museum is open on weekdays only.
• Next week: Best of Cumbrae – for activity
The full article contains 441 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
