Minister's Hill

Hill, Mountain in Buteshire

Scotland

Minister's Hill

'Eastwood' 9-10 Marine Parade, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae This Category B Listed Building is the best preserved example
of a late Victorian villa in Millport, this semi-detached villa is notable for its
exuberant three storey bowed bay windows with decorative cast-iron columns with
bracketed balconies wrapping round the bays at first floor level.

It is locally known as Brandy Castle. — 'Eastwood' 9-10 Marine Parade, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Minister's Hill is a prominent hill located in the charming coastal town of Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute in the county of Buteshire, Scotland. Rising to an elevation of approximately 265 feet (81 meters), it is the highest point on the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Situated just a short distance from the town center, Minister's Hill is easily accessible and draws many visitors and locals alike. The hill is named after the ruins of the old Rothesay Castle, which once housed the residence of the local ministers. These ruins, dating back to the 13th century, are located on the slopes of the hill and add a historical charm to the area.

The hill itself is covered with lush green grass and dotted with scattered trees, enhancing its picturesque appeal. It provides a perfect setting for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. As visitors ascend to the summit, they are rewarded with incredible vistas of the Rothesay Bay, the town of Rothesay, and the scenic coastline.

Minister's Hill also holds cultural significance, as it is said to have inspired many artists, writers, and poets throughout history. Its natural beauty and serene atmosphere provide a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and inspiration.

Overall, Minister's Hill in Buteshire is a captivating natural landmark that combines historical significance, stunning views, and a peaceful ambiance. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the breathtaking Scottish scenery.

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Minister's Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.755182/-4.939566 or Grid Reference NS1555. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

'Eastwood' 9-10 Marine Parade, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae

This Category B Listed Building is the best preserved example of a late Victorian villa in Millport, this semi-detached villa is notable for its exuberant three storey bowed bay windows with decorative cast-iron columns with bracketed balconies wrapping round the bays at first floor level. It is locally known as Brandy Castle.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Dundonald Villa - Kames Bay, Millport

Dundonald Villa was the home of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967). Duncan Macrae was considered one of Scotland's best known actors – working with international stars on stage, television, radio and in cinema. And what makes his connection to Millport so strong, is the fact that it’s the place he and his wife Peggy chose to relax and call their second home. The popular pair often visited to escape the hustle and bustle of Glasgow. In fact, they loved the Isle of Cumbrae so much, that they bought Dundonald Villa on Kames Bay. Duncan himself was born in Maryhill on 20 August 1905. He attended Glasgow University to study engineering but soon discovered his love and talent for acting. He joined Glasgow’s Citizen Theatre in his early acting days before featuring in acclaimed films such as ‘Whisky Galore’ and ‘Tunes of Glory’. On television he was Para Handy in the first adaptation of Neil Munro’s tales. Later in the 1960s he was cast in ‘The Prisoner’ and ‘The Avengers’ – both cult television shows. His last film, released after his death in 1967, was the James Bond spoof - ‘Casino Royale’. The plaque was unveiled by Duncan Macrae's granddaughter in 1996.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Garrison House (Sunken Garden) - Millport, Isle of Cumbrae

Garrison House in Millport was built in 1745 as the residence of the Captain and officers of the Revenue Sailing Ship the ‘Royal George’. Garrison's Sunken Garden This restored sunken garden is based on an original design by Robert Weir Schulz. In 1908 and 1909, the 4th Marquess of Bute hired Schulz to create terraces and a new sunken garden at Garrison House. His design reflects the Arts and Crafts style of the time. Schulz was an architect based in London. He worked on many of the Bute properties during this period. Schulz, along with other designers like William Robertson and Gertrude Jerkyll, helped define the Arts and Crafts garden in the U.K. Typical elements included : Drystone walling using local stone, Crazy stone paving, Wild plants instead of glasshouse plants and Plants in niches in rocks in walls, steps and paths. These elements resulted in a 'Cottage' look that was less formal than previous styles of garden. Quite bold in front of a Gothic Revival house like Garrison !

Raibeart MacAoidh

Minke Whale - Isle of Cumbrae

The very sad sight of a Minke whale at Sheriff's Port on the Isle of Cumbrae.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Kirkton (c700) - Cumbrae's Medieval Centre

Kirkton was a medieval village on Cumbrae and existed for many centuries before Millport was built. The plaque reads "Remains of the ancient jougs by which prisoners were manacled to the rocks. They date back to the 15th century". North Ayrshire Heritage Trails Link

Raibeart MacAoidh

The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae

In folklore a gowk is a cuckoo or fool, the latter were thought to be fairy-touched. Gowk’s Day was the old Scottish April Fool's Day, which was held on 13th April when the cuckoo begins to call. The call of the cuckoo is believed to beckon the souls of the dead, and the cuckoo was thought to be able to travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Millport Curling Club Bothy - Isle of Cumbrae

Wee Minnemoer Bothy is the home of Millport Curling Club which was founded in 1838. The first President was John Wishart from a report of a meeting held in the Kelburne Arms. The bothy was built by William Wishart about 1845. In these early years curling on Cumbrae was run less formally but from 1925 the Curling Club has flourished and more recently ladies were admitted to the club as members. The Club has been and remains active in many competitions organised by the Argyll Province and the Royal Club.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Great Cumbrae - Millport - Boat moored at the pier

A small boat named 'Kestral' is moored longside the pier in Millport. The houses in the background are on Marine Parade.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport - Gulls on the end of the pier

Two gulls (Herring Gulls I think) nestled down at the end of Millport's pier. The houses in the background are across the bay on Marine Parade.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport

Looking across Millport Bay from near to the Millport Pier Hotel over to Glasgow Street which hugs the northern end of the bay.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the south

The Cathedral of the Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit (to give it its full appellation) is a Category A listed Link

cathedral in the town of Millport on the island of Great Cumbrae. It is one of the smallest (possibly *the* smallest) cathedral in Britain, with many a parish church being larger. For more information, see Link

The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the East

The Cathedral of the Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit (to give it its full appellation) is a Category A listed Link

The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see Link

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Cathedral of the Isles - Nave & Chancel

Looking along the nave into the chancel of the Cathedral of the Isles in Millport, Great Cumbrae. See NS1655 : Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the south and NS1655 : Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the East for more information

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - Ancient relics

A small plaque above these relics states: "These Crosses and Carved Fragments Relics of the ancient Christianity of the Island were deposited within the College precincts by the Founder George Frederick, 6th Earl of Glasgow Ye have considered the days of old and the years of ancient times. Psalms LXXVII 5"

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport - The Garrison

The Category 'B' listed Link

Garrison in Millport, Great Cumbrae has had several uses since its original construction in the C18th as a garrison for the local excise men and associated troops. However, little of the original building remains as the house was extensively renovated in the 19th century for the Earl of Glasgow. It now houses an interesting little museum.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport - Crocodile Rock

The much photographed 'Crocodile Rock' on the coast of Great Cumbrae in the town of Millport. This humorous painted rock has become one of Great Cumbrae's "must see" features!

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport - The Wedge

This house is reckoned to be the narrowest in the world - though as its name suggests it does widen from this ridiculously narrow frontage of just 47" (1.2m). It was put up for sale in 2015 with an asking price of OIEO £85,000 - Article on it here Link

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Millport - The Jetty

A view along the jetty which runs out to sea from Guildford Street in Millport, Great Cumbrae. The small island seen ahead is the southern of two islands called The Eileans.

Rob Farrow

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Minister's Hill is located at Grid Ref: NS1555 (Lat: 55.755182, Lng: -4.939566)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire