There’s a picture of me, my brother and sister in Millport from the early 90s, all wild hair, skint knees and coordinated shorts and tshirts. We’re on a summer day trip to the Isle of Cumbrae, an annual feature of my childhood.
In the background you can see Mapes of Millport, the toy shop on the main street that has been there for over 75 years. It’s where we used to pick up water balloons, jokes or tricks when we were wee and it is still there today. They also still have the cycle hire store that you may remember from growing up - a bike around the island, in a variety of weather conditions, was a rite of passage for Glaswegians on a summer trip to the west coast.
When I took my own kids on a summer day trip I found that Millport still has a nostalgia tinged charm, there are new things to discover and an ice cream reward still awaits when you return to Largs at Nardini’s.
There are few Scottish summer day trips that feel as effortlessly nostalgic as a visit to Millport. Sitting on the island of Great Cumbrae, the town is just a short ferry ride from Largs, making it one of the easiest island escapes from Glasgow and the west coast, although like any island crossing in Scotland these days it’s best to check the CalMac website in advance.
The crossing takes around ten minutes, yet arriving in Millport feels like stepping into a slower, sunnier version of Scotland.
Summer is when the island comes alive. Families spill onto the promenade with ice creams, cyclists set off around the island’s famous coastal loop, and visitors gather on the waterfront to watch boats drift across the Firth of Clyde.
The island’s circular road stretches for roughly ten miles, making it one of Scotland’s favourite cycling destinations. Many visitors hire bikes as soon as they arrive and spend the day exploring quiet bays, rocky coves and sea views towards Arran and the mainland.
One of Millport’s most famous landmarks is Crocodile Rock, a seaside boulder painted to resemble a crocodile. Generations of visitors have climbed onto it for photographs, and it remains one of the island’s most recognisable sights. Nearby beaches provide sheltered spots for paddling and picnics.
9. Nardini's
In the main dining room kids can order fish and chips or macaroni from the menu. | Nardini's
10. Nardini's
Jacqui says: "people order the classic haddock fish and chips or there's scampi, lemon sole, tiger prawns or there's sandwiches or salads. It's mostly fish and chips which are delicious and people associate that with Nardini's. We make our own cakes, pastries and scones." | Nardini's
11. Nardini's
The summer sees a constant stream of visitors from Glasgow: "A little bit of sun and everybody comes to Nardini's, we have so many people from Glasgow each summer and we're very proud to be a local landmark. It's great seeing the reaction from kids when they see the ice cream or a sundae." | Nardini's
12. Nardini's
The cafe is a piece of hospitality from a bygone era that still resonates with families today. Scampi and chips then tablet ice cream is my order. The kids like macaroni then a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. My wife has fish and chips and a strawberry sundae. You can pick up an order of Nardini’s own blend of coffee to enjoy at home. | Nardini's