The Lion

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Buteshire

Scotland

The Lion

Farland Point from Fairlie Roads Farland Point on Great Cumbrae Island as seen from Clyde Charters&#039; vessel &#039;Tonka&#039; in the Fairlie Roads. Millport is featured in the background.

This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21. — Farland Point from Fairlie Roads Credit: James T M Towill

The Lion, Buteshire, is a prominent coastal feature located in the western part of the Scottish island of Bute. It is a headland that extends out into the Firth of Clyde, near the town of Port Bannatyne. The Lion gets its name from its distinctive shape, which resembles a crouching lion when viewed from a certain angle.

The headland is composed of rugged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 100 meters in some areas. The Lion is predominantly made up of sandstone, which has been weathered over time by the strong winds and waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This has resulted in the formation of caves, arches, and other geological features along the coastline.

The Lion is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the nearby islands of Arran and Great Cumbrae. The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including seabirds, seals, and occasionally dolphins and porpoises.

Access to The Lion is relatively easy, with a footpath leading from Port Bannatyne to the headland. The path takes visitors through a picturesque countryside, offering glimpses of the island's rich natural beauty along the way.

Overall, The Lion, Buteshire, is a fascinating coastal feature that combines stunning natural landscapes with unique geological formations. Its accessibility and mesmerizing views make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of Scotland's picturesque coastline.

Show me another place!

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The Lion Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.753261/-4.9031586 or Grid Reference NS1754. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farland Point from Fairlie Roads

Farland Point on Great Cumbrae Island as seen from Clyde Charters' vessel 'Tonka' in the Fairlie Roads. Millport is featured in the background. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

The front end of a ship

Is it better looking than the back end of a bus? The bow of the Ensco DS-8 drill ship, which along with the Valaris DS-4, are two vessels docked at the pier at the former Hunterston Terminal. Data about the two ships can be found at Link

and Link

respectively. This view was captured aboard Clyde Charters' vessel 'YTonka' in the Fairlie Roads; for a land-based view of the ships, see NS1954 : Ensco DS-8 and Valaris DS-4 at Hunterston Terminal This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Passing the end of the pier at Hunterston Terminal

Passing the end of the pier at Hunterston Terminal as the Clyde Charters' vessel 'Tonka' passes up the Fairlie Roads back to Fairlie Quay Marina. The scale of the two drill ships, the Valaris DS-4 (foreground) and Ensco DS-8 (background) is immense. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

View to the Fairlie Roads and beyond

In this photograph, taken just before 2000 hrs on a beautiful August evening, two drill ships (Valaris DS-4 and Ensco DS-8) docked at Hunterston Terminal NS1955 : Passing the end of the pier at Hunterston Terminal, Little Cumbrae Island and the Isle of Arran can all be noted. Great Cumbrae Island is sneaking into shot to the far right. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

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

Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae

The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae

The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.

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