Our island

Cumbrae is in the Firth of Clyde, just eight minutes by ferry from the mainland and known for being Scotland’s most accessible island. It has a pretty Victorian seaside town called Millport, the name by which many people call our island. 

 

The island has a reputation for being a beauty spot in the Clyde. Thousands of tourists come in the summer months to enjoy its safe beaches and to see its 125 species of birds (20 are endangered), seals, porpoises, and basking sharks; and many of them cycle the 10-mile loop road offering spectacular 360° views of the Clyde. Cumbrae has Britain's smallest cathedral and the historic Garrison House which houses the Museum of the Cumbraes. The island also has Cumbrae Primary School, Lady Margaret Hospital and a wide range of shops. 

 

The island has a population of about 1,300 people. The community is diverse, we have many families with young children as well as those who are retired and there is a wide spread in people’s financial situations. Many are struggling with the cost of living crisis. We have some families who have fled war zones and are having to learn English as well as adapt to a new way of life.

 

We have an engaged and active community, Covid showed just how supportive and thoughtful people can be, and we are working together to help everyone through current challenges. The wide range of clubs, groups and associations means there is always something to do. For a full list of groups, see Cumbrae Community Council’s website.

 

The Cumbrae Forum supports the community and its diversity with carefully considered projects and programmes promoting community cohesion, inter-generational connections and the economic stability of the island.