Cathedral of the Isles

Millport, United Kingdom

The Cathedral of the Isles is the cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church in the town of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.  George Boyle, 6th Earl of Glasgow, was benefactor of the cathedral and the associated theological college and commissioned William Butterfield to design the building. Butterfield was one of the great architects of the Gothic revival and also designed St Ninian's Cathedral in Perth. Construction finished in 1849 and the cathedral opened in 1851 as a collegiate church. The Chapel of the College of the Holy Spirit was raised to the status of a cathedral in 1876.

Formal gardens and woodland surround the cathedral, the tallest building on Great Cumbrae and the smallest cathedral in the British Isles. The tower dominates the buildings: at 123 ft, the tower and spire are three times the length of the 40 ft nave.

In the entrance porch is an interesting collection of Celtic crosses, all of which were excavated on the island in Victorian times.

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Details

Founded: 1849-1851
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

carrie jo Robinson (5 months ago)
So comfortable and full of character in a wonderful setting. Lovely friendly staff, great service and food. We were keen to return and hugely disappointed to learn the diocese are closing the guest house. Why?!
Joe Boatman (8 months ago)
Beautiful place especially with tea outside on the picnic tables. Wonderful cathedral with Sunday concerts at 3pm. Rooms can be booked on their website.
ColleenS Blyth (9 months ago)
Our client stay at the cathedral was grand. We were delighted to discover the amazing library and other rooms could be enjoyed during our stay. Having breakfast in the Refectory and afternoon tea in the the cloister was all part of a truly relaxing and lovely stay. Our bedroom was comfortable and we had private use of a lovely common room with a grand view. I was especially pleased to discover a Scottish Wild Flowers book which I used during our walks and cycle around the island. A most enjoyable experience, enhanced by a warm welcome and enthusiastic staff. We look forward to a return visit.
Stephen Paxton (9 months ago)
A midget gem. Britain's smallest cathedral. Empty upon my visit. But should be viewed by every tourist. Exquisite Oxford Movement sensibility.
Catherine McDonald (10 months ago)
Have been to Millport so many times over the years and never visited before. The people running the cafe were so welcoming the tiny Cathedral was beautiful. They were so happy to see us and explained if we wanted extra beverages (alcohol) we were welcome to bring our own ? We arrived 20 ladies on a walking trip and we each left with an extra inch on our waist. Fabulous home made scones and I was catered for specially when they found out I was vegetarian home made fresh cheese and onion pasties. Beautiful people in a beautiful part of the world tucked just off the main track.
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