About Cumbrae

For the adventurous there is the Scottish water sports centre which offers sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and diving. The marine Biology Centre, well worth a visit, boasts the only decompression chamber in this part of Scotland.

The island is a haven for the cyclists. With a circumferance of  only ten and a half miles and its gently undulating roads make it ideal for the rusty cyclist taking in fabulous views of the surrounding islands as well as the soft sandy beaches, Newton  Beach has been awarded The Keep Scotland Beautiful Best Beach award for the second year running.The inland roads offer a more arduous trek for the mountain biker. Bicycles can be hired from one of three cycle shops on the island.

There is an iron age fort of volcanic origin and is one of over 300 such formations including Lion Rock, this particular fierce looking rock can be found a short distance from the marine station, which includes a small museum and an aquariam with its many species of sea life. Students from all over the world attend this college to undertake posts graduate studies

The Island also has the smallest cathedral in the UK and second smallest in Europe, along with an 18-hole golf course and a bowling green, the island boasts restaurants including Chinese, cafes, public houses, shops, childrens painting craft shop, newsagents (lottery),Premier convenience store, children’s trampolines, pitch and put, boat pond, childrens swing park, amusement arcade, cycle hire, boat trips, hospital, surgery, museum, library with free internet access, town hall, hairdressers, beautician, bank, post office and yacht/boatyard.

Many events are held on the island each year click here for a list.

 
Lydia and Cole Newton Beach

VIV32 Puffer approaching Millport

Arran from Kames Bay

Watch out for the Indian Rock

Peacefull anchorage in Kames Bay, Millport

Copyright Westbourne House Hotel, 2006. All images on this page are copyright of CP Kelly.