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About Cumbrae & Millport

Millport, initially a quaint village, owes its growth and historical significance to the dynamic events of the 1700s.

This era was marked by clandestine smuggling activities along the Clyde, involving spirited locals who dared to defy the law by importing contraband. Equally integral to this narrative were the diligent efforts of the law enforcement of the time, tasked with curtailing these illegal operations.

At the heart of this historical interplay was Garrison House in Millport, constructed in 1745. This grand residence served as the command centre for the Captain and officers of the Revenue Sailing Ship, the ‘Royal George’. Stationed strategically at Millport, the Royal George was pivotal in the relentless pursuit of smugglers, playing a crucial role in the maintenance of law and order in the region.

Today, Garrison House boasts an array of facilities that serve both the local community and visitors. The ground floor houses a state-of-the-art library and the Museum of the Cumbraes, a treasure trove of local history.

The Garrison Café offers a delightful culinary experience, while upstairs, the local GP surgery and North Ayrshire Council’s local services office provide essential services. Rooms available for community use ensure that Garrison House remains a vibrant centre of daily life in Millport.

The restoration has meticulously preserved the historic exterior, with its stonework beautifully restored to its former glory, while the interior has been innovatively adapted to meet contemporary needs, marrying history with modern functionality in a community-centric revival.

How to get to Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae

Need to know how to get here? It is just a short ferry crossing from the town of Largs on the Ayrshire coast and a journey of around 60 minutes from the centre of Glasgow to Largs. A train service runs hourly from Glasgow to Largs and a bus service is also available.

Once you arrive at the Cumbrae ferry slip there is a bus service which meets every ferry to whisk you in to town (approx 10 minute journey)

NOTE: the bus service on Cumbrae operates every day of the week throughout the year with the exception of New Year’s day.

Train
The town of Largs on the Ayrshire coast, has a mainline train station and from there it is only 8.5 minutes by ferry the Island of Cumbrae.

Ferry
It only takes 8 minutes and there is a ferry running every 15 minutes during the summer months and every 30 minutes throughout the winter.

If travelling from Glasgow you are best to go to Buchannan Street bus station located next to Lang’s Hotel in the Cowcaddens area of the city centre. If you are travelling out of Largs, there are a number of bus stops along Largs seafront, although the main bus stops are located in Largs Main Street. For full details of destinations and times, please select the links for each service.

Bus
Express service to and from Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow by Harte Coaches Destinations Largs via Kilbirnie & Lochwinnoch.

You can find full details on bus services to Largs using this link