MILLPORT will launch a grand Victorian weekend festival next spring.

The idea is the brainchild of resident Frances Melling, and she has assembled a committee to look at capitalising on the Victorian look of the town, and some of its historic buildings.

Children’s races are planned for the Garrison grounds, while there will be lessons in making Victorian toys, and almost-lost skills, such as gird and cleeks.

Merchants in costume will offer period goods and sweets and the local butcher will dress up to sell his homemade pies.

The Cumbrae Crumbly Croqueteers will open the croquet pitch at the Cathedral and arrange lessons and matches for those who want to give the game a try.

Another highlight will be a performance from The St John’s Choir from Edinburgh at The Cathedral of the Isles.

They will provide Victorian music for Evensong on Sunday and palm-court music for afternoon tea on the cloisters lawns, weather permitting.

Organisers hope to add further entertainment in the form of a ball in the Garrison, with period dancing lessons by the island’s country dancers.

A public meeting will take place later this month to take the plans forward.

Frances said: "In Millport it seems there is a 'use it or lose it' feeling in the air at present.

"We have lost or nearly lost several of our beautiful Victorian buildings - the Parish Church is lost to us and the Town Hall is closed at present though a strong support group is fighting to have it restored.

"The plan is to use the Garrison, the Cathedral and the Field Studies Centre to demonstrate as much of our Victorian past as we can, through our beautiful Victorian buildings.

"The Garrison was saved by a historic sit-in and a lot of hard work.

"The beautiful library of the former Marine Station is now part of the Field Research Centre, The Cathedral of the Isles is providing a peaceful haven for worshippers, concertgoers artists, visitors, dog-walkers and those who take time to appreciate the serenity of the buildings and grounds

"These buildings are a reminder of the great days 'doon the watter' when Glaswegians and nearby city-folk flocked to the delights of the town and brought their children to enjoy the simple pleasures of sun and sand."

The Victorian weekend festival is due to take place on April 27 and 28.