The popular “Family Festival” that is the Millport illuminations weekend takes place on the island from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September.

The huge bonfire at the Eileans islands is already in place thanks to the efforts of some locals who sailed out there with loads of wood. A big thank-you to them all and to Millport Golf Club for lending the tractor and trailer and FSC for the boat.

The bonfire will be lit on Saturday night together with hundreds of padella lights (little candles). The padellas have been made over the past few months by Donald Patrick and Donald Campbell, and everyone is grateful to them for all their hard work. If anyone would like padella lights for their own properties these can be obtained from Mapes cycle shop.

The bonfire and padella lights enhance the wonderful scene on the Saturday night of the illuminations, along with the fairy lights and illuminated shops, houses, flats and businesses, and the marvellous fireworks go off at 8.15pm at Stra’ Wherry Jetty making it a magical evening.

As usual, a fun and eventful weekend is planned for everyone at the September illuminations on Cumbrae. Caledonian MacBrayne are running three special late night ferries on Saturday at 9pm, 9.30pm and 10pm, so our overseas visitors can visit and enjoy the illuminations on Saturday night.

Please note special passes must be obtained from the CalMac office for these sailings and the buses to the crossings leave 20 minutes before each sailing and only pick up from the pier.

Everyone is welcome to join the community of Cumbrae for a fabulous end of season weekend party.

A big thank-you to everyone for all their hard work, making it a huge success each year.