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Deadman's Bay

Bay in Buteshire

Scotland

Deadman's Bay

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.
Dundonald Villa - Kames Bay, Millport Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Deadman's Bay is a picturesque bay located in the region of Buteshire, Scotland. Nestled on the western coast of the Isle of Bute, it is renowned for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The bay stretches along a rugged coastline, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant greenery, Deadman's Bay is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its tranquil waters are a popular spot for sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The bay also serves as a gateway to exploring the diverse marine life of the area, with opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The bay derives its name from an intriguing local legend. According to folklore, the bay was once a hiding place for smugglers who would lure passing ships towards the treacherous rocks, resulting in numerous shipwrecks. Though the origin of the name remains uncertain, it adds an air of mystery and allure to the bay's history.

Visitors to Deadman's Bay can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach, taking in breathtaking views of the Isle of Arran across the water. The bay is also home to a variety of seabirds and wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

With its tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and rich history, Deadman's Bay is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Buteshire. Whether exploring the coast or simply unwinding on the beach, visitors are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty of this enchanting bay.

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Deadman's Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.762977/-4.9447766 or Grid Reference NS1556. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
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.
Trig pillar on Barbay Hill
Trig pillar on Barbay Hill
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 !
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 !
Minke Whale - Isle of Cumbrae The very sad sight of a Minke whale at Sheriff's Port on the Isle of Cumbrae.
Minke Whale - Isle of Cumbrae
The very sad sight of a Minke whale at Sheriff's Port on the Isle of Cumbrae.
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 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.naheritagetrails.co.uk/heritagetrails_cumbrae_kirkton.php" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.naheritagetrails.co.uk/heritagetrails_cumbrae_kirkton.php">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
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 LinkExternal link
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37824" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37824">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 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 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7562/name/Millport+Episcopal+Cathedral+of+the+Isles+Millport+Strathclyde" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7562/name/Millport+Episcopal+Cathedral+of+the+Isles+Millport+Strathclyde">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/LocalDevelopmentPlan/MillportConservationArea.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/LocalDevelopmentPlan/MillportConservationArea.pdf">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
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 LinkExternal 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 LinkExternal link The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see LinkExternal link
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 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37824" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37824">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 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 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7562/name/Millport+Episcopal+Cathedral+of+the+Isles+Millport+Strathclyde" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/7562/name/Millport+Episcopal+Cathedral+of+the+Isles+Millport+Strathclyde">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/LocalDevelopmentPlan/MillportConservationArea.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/LocalDevelopmentPlan/MillportConservationArea.pdf">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
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 LinkExternal 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 LinkExternal link The whole of Millport is a designated conservation area - see LinkExternal link
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219178">NS1655 : Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the south</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219182">NS1655 : Great Cumbrae - The Cathedral of the Isles - from the East</a> for more information
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
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"
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"
Great Cumbrae - Millport - The Garrison The Category 'B' listed <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37825" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB37825">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 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.
Great Cumbrae - Millport - The Garrison
The Category 'B' listed LinkExternal 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.
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!
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!
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point This Trig Point (or triangulation pillar) is on the highest point of Great Cumbrae island at 417' (127m). The views can be stunning from here apparently - unfortunately this was not the case at the time of our visit as low cloud and rain obscured any such views.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point
This Trig Point (or triangulation pillar) is on the highest point of Great Cumbrae island at 417' (127m). The views can be stunning from here apparently - unfortunately this was not the case at the time of our visit as low cloud and rain obscured any such views.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone The Glaid Stone is a glacial erratic deposited on top of Barbay Hill on Great Cumbrae in the last Ice Age. It is c. 12' (3.6m) long with a cross section of c. 4' x 4' (1.2m x 1.2m)
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone
The Glaid Stone is a glacial erratic deposited on top of Barbay Hill on Great Cumbrae in the last Ice Age. It is c. 12' (3.6m) long with a cross section of c. 4' x 4' (1.2m x 1.2m)
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Deadman's Bay is located at Grid Ref: NS1556 (Lat: 55.762977, Lng: -4.9447766)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///prance.uppermost.dwell. Near Millport, North Ayrshire

Nearby Locations

Deadman's Bay Fintray Bay Fintraybay Plantation Lower Cumbrae Reservoir Clate Rock

Related Wikis

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Millport Town Hall

Millport Town Hall is a municipal building in Clifton Street, Millport, North Ayrshire, Scotland. The structure is used as a community events centre....

Cathedral of The Isles
Cathedral of The Isles

The Cathedral of the Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit is a Category A listed cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church in the town of Millport...

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Millport, Great Cumbrae

Millport (Scottish Gaelic: Port a' Mhuilinn) is the only town on the island of Great Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde off the coast of mainland Scotland,...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.762977,-4.9447766
Historic: memorial
Memorial: war_memorial
Note: This memorial is dedicated to the men and women of the British and Allied Forces who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and have no known grave.
Lat/Long: 55.7600577/-4.9451369
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Gowk Stane
Opening Hours: 24/7
Tourism: attraction
Wheelchair: limited
Lat/Long: 55.7646108/-4.9401503
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: survey
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 55.7638412/-4.9437252
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: survey
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 55.7653473/-4.9429979
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Deadman's Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 55.7630876/-4.9473294
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Sheriff's Port Buteshire
Parwyd Caernarfonshire

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