A BOOK which aims to capture memories of Millport over the past 200 years is the latest ambitious plan from an American author who has fallen in love with the island and its people.

Edwin Deas lives in California but travels back to Cumbrae almost every year and owns a home on the island..

The 69-year-old, who volunteers at Radio Millport and presents a show from the States, says he wants to create a memory bank for future generations to chart the past of the iconic holiday island.

He said: “It will focus on factual recollections of places, events, and characters in Millport and Greater Cumbrae, going back from the present as far as I can manage.

“I have been somewhat obsessed with Millport during my 69 years, having visited almost every one of them.

“During all that time I have been moved by the number of people around the world who love the island and have stories to tell about it.

“Although there are quite a few books about island life - and I have read them all - I don't think there is a single piece of work that brings all of those memories together. That is my goal.”

The novel has a working title of ‘Millport Memories’ and Edwin’s goal is to have it ready for publication in the summer of 2022.

He says he hopes his book can introduce the island's magic appeal to people who have never visited.

He said: “Cumbrae is a spiritual place that has a deep impact on almost all who visit. There is a tendency for people to keep returning to introduce its wonders to future generations. Many people report a soothing feeling washes over them during that ferry ride of only eight minutes.

“There seems to be tremendous interest in sharing one's memories and learning about those of others.

“Millport has provided me with incredible memories and I want to give back by gathering them for the benefit of other people.”

Edwin says the appeal of Millport is the island’s ability to have stay the same for so long.

He explained: “I think the lure is its simplicity and in some ways, it harks back to earlier days when life was slower, safer and more satisfying.

“Of course, there are bigger, better appointed places with better weather, all easily reachable from Scotland, but they do not offer the magic of Millport.

“Nostalgia is a powerful drug and that is what Millport aficionados seek. Tracking the history of the island will confirm that it has not changed all that much over the decades and even centuries. Photographs show it still looks almost the same.

"Activities, because they are by definition simple, have been slow to change too. There is something reassuring in that and people seem to buy into it, now more than ever."

If anyone is interested in sharing their memories of the island and finding out more information, connect with Edwin on Facebook or email him at edwindeas@verizon.net.