Islands always have a special appeal, although they can sometimes be quite complicated and expensive to reach. This is certainly not the case with Cumbrae, however.

In the Firth Clyde, between Ayrshire and Bute, it is less than an hour from Glasgow and is accessed by a ten minute ferry ride from Largs (with no booking necessary).

There is only one real settlement on Cumbrae, the 'capital' Millport, that is well known for its award winning sandy beaches and which has been described as a perfectly preserved Victorian town. The bus meets the ferry and takes you down to the village, so this is also somewhere that can easily be reached entirely by public transport.

If the idea of a traditional, family seaside holiday appeals, then the town of Millport is for you and for ideal holiday accommodation just a minute or so from the seafront, you cannot do better than Millhaven.

Tucked away up a quiet lane, this newly built semi-detached house is light and airy and has been beautifully furnished and appointed by its proud owners.

Millhaven operates on the 'upside down' principal, with a bathroom and two good bedrooms downstairs (the double of which opens on to a tiny patio). Upstairs, there is a lovely open plan living area with wood-burning stove and access to two further decking areas, so that you can follow the sun round through the day. On this level there is also an additional shower room.

While there is no garden as such, with the award-winning beach at the end of the lane and the decking areas round the house, this is hardly a problem. There is also an integral small garage for parking and for storing bikes, canoes and whatever sports equipment you feel like bringing with you.