New Millport sightseeing service coming this summer

Millport Motors, who operate the regular shuttle between the ferry and the town, will operate tours around the island to showcase everything it has to offer.

The trips will begin on June 25 and will operate every day during school holidays and on busy weekends between June and August.

Iain Morrison, owner of Millport Motors, believes such a service has been needed for a number of years.

He said: “In the summer months, a lot of people are always asking about a bus that takes you 'round the long way'. When people have a bit of time on their hands they sometimes want to go the most picturesque way as opposed to the quickest.

“At a recent transport meeting at the Garrison, creating this new service was brought up once again by residents.

“There is clearly a lot of demand for the it from islanders alone nevermind tourists, so we are going to launch it this summer and see how it goes.

“Services will depart from the pier hourly from 11:40am until 4:40pm, meeting the ferry on the hour at the Cumbrae Slip.”

Iain says it will allow visitors to appreciate the other side of the island which is not as easily accessible.

He said: “We will have six tours a day, so that people can get on coming off the ferry and head in the opposite direction from the one they would normally go.

“It will allow people who usually can’t to see the other side of the island, like the elderly or the infirm.

“There will also be the option to hop on and hop off at Fintry Bay, which is always a popular spot with visitors.

“The bus will travel at a reduced speed around the back of island and allow people to appreciate the scenery.

“We will make sure we don’t get in the way of cyclists and walkers, safety will be our ultimate priority.”

Millport Motors is hopeful that elderly residents and visitors will be able to use their concession cards on the service.

More information on specifics around the sightseeing bus will be released in the coming weeks.