Could Millport be in line to benefit from providing more pontoons and sailing opportunities to boost the economy?
That is the fervent hope as new figures from the Crown Estate show that Scotland’s £130 million sailing tourism economy is set to grow by as much as 28% in the next seven years, according to new published research.
The report goes on to identify the potential of a further increase of £36.9 million to a worth of £167.1 million over the next seven years.
The potential for growth and opportunities for private and public investment in critical infrastructural developments to meet growing demand whilst also making more areas of Scottish sailing waters accessible to cruising yachts.
Graham Wallace, a member of the Facebook Millport Coastal Flood Prevention Scheme believes the potential boost could have opportunities for the Isle of Cumbrae. 
He told other online members: "It's interesting about the marine tourism potential in Scotland and particularly on the Clyde and the West coast - it would be nonsensical if the proposed scheme to be introduced in the bay prevented Millport capitalising on this huge potential - after all we're perfectly located to benefit."
Support was shown towards moving the breakwater for a new flood protection scheme out to sea on Millport in order to avoid the visual impact of having rock armoury installed at the wooden section of Millport Pier.
It has been suggested by licensed charter boat owner Ross Goldie that a lagoon could be formed allowing possibilities for developing watersports, pontoons, and landing stages, with potential for new employment and business opportunities to bring economic benefits to the island.
Cumbrae Community Development Company formed a Millport Marine Facilities Association last year to concentrate boating matters and support the council bringing more pontoons to Millport bay.
The Crown Estate report states that part of the multi-million potential is in recognising the increase of visiting non-Scottish boat owners choosing to moor and berth their vessels in Scotland. This year, non-Scottish sailors contributed almost £39 million of the £130 million sailing brought into Scotland, a 24% increase since 2009.
Across Scotland there are currently 15,700 berths available for sailors, up from 12,600 in 2009. With berth occupancy at 95%, a further 3000 berths could potentially be added over the next seven years to continue the growth of the sailing industry. 
Stuart McMillan MSP, Convenor of Scottish Parliament’s cross party group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism said: “This research confirms the economic potential in a sector that is a key part of Scotland’s marine tourism offering. We launched our strategy ‘Awakening the Giant’ at the end of 2015 and said we would make Scotland the marine destination of first choice by 2020. This research indicates that this ambition is achievable with significant potential for growth and benefits for coastal and island communities.”