Wee Cumbrae is a car-free tranquil haven, rich in history and wildlife, situated on the Forth of Clyde.
Days are filled with wild swimming, fishing, picnicking, kayaking, nature watching, meditating and exploring the island’s many historic remains and beaches. Evenings are tranquilly spent star-gazing, barbecuing and gathering around the fire with loved ones.
At the heart of the island stands Wee Cumbrae House. A luxurious mansion, ideal for celebrations, corporate getaways and family gatherings.
As a mostly uninhabited island, Wee Cumbrae’s story is told through the architectural ruins connected by a network of maintained paths. The island was once a hunting ground, reserved for kings and lords, including King Robert II and his mother Majorie, the daughter of Robert The Bruce. The island is also the final resting place of 7th-century Saint Bey and home to Scotland’s 2nd lighthouse.
Today, Wee Cumbrae is home to rare species of birds, wildlife, and sea life.
In the early 20th century, under the ownership of Evelyn Stuart Parker, a ‘mansion house’ was built on the site of a single-storey farmhouse overlooking Cumbrae Castle.
Wee Cumbrae House has seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and many generously sized communal rooms.
Wee Cumbrae House is available for private hire on a self-catering basis
Our bell tent Glamping site is situated on the manicured grounds of Wee Cumbrae House, overlooking Cumbrae Castle, with toilet and BBQ facilities close by.
Built in the 13th century, the old castle keep was occupied by King Robert II who spent a season in the castle in 1375 and 1384.
The island had become a rich hunting ground for noblemen and royalty. The castle was built to protect the island from poachers, looking for rabbits, deer and birds.
Featuring a vaulted great hall, toilets and kitchen, the castle was extremely modern by the standards of the day.
The islet on which Cumbrae Castle stood was formerly called Allinturail, that is, the islet of the noble’s tower.
Iconic to Wee Cumbrae, The lighthouses that still stand to this day have protected passing ships since 1757.
The original Lighthouse was the 2nd ever constructed in Scotland. It was coal-powered and positioned in the very middle of the Island, at the highest point, on what is called Lighthouse Hill.
Lighthouse keepers and their families lived on the island until the 1970’s when the last functioning lighthouse was automated. Today you can visit our lighthouses and the cottages and buildings that maintained them, and sustained the families that lived here to keep the lights on.
Towards the East of Wee Cumbrae lies the picturesque home island to around 100 grey seals.
Seal Island springs to life in the summer months as cubs learn to hunt, swim and play. The seals love their tranquil little island where the surrounding waters provide plenty of sustenance.
Visitors can expect a bright and friendly welcome as you pass by. You can watch them as they hunt, play, and bathe in the sun just beyond the coast.
Help us protect the seals by always maintaining a safe distance. If travelling by boat move slowly around them and don’t approach them. Seals with cubs may be easily threatened.
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