A BUDDING businesswoman from Millport has used the island's landmarks as inspiration for a new lockdown venture.

Eilidh Maclaren, 20, decided to turn her drawings and sketches of the island into souvenirs, including t-shirts and face masks, selling them across the world through online portal redbubble.

She says she has been blown away by the response to what started as a simple way to pass the time earlier last year.

Eilidh explained: “I had known about the site for a few years but only found out during lockdown that you could upload your own designs to the website.

“I had been sketching and doodling just as a way to stay busy during lockdown, using my own pictures as references for most of the drawings.

“I couldn’t have imagined the response I've had and I’m so happy that people like them enough to buy them.”

Eilidh says that Cumbrae holds a special place in the hearts of visitors from around the world.

She said: “I live on Millport and grew up here, so it is special to me, but so many people like visiting and photographing the island.

“This is a way for people to have keepsakes or souvenirs of the 'main attractions' of the island.

“I think for many there’s a nostalgia factor to the island. Older generations like sharing their stories about Cumbrae with their children and grandchildren, and so the cycle continues.

“The ‘famous rocks’ on the island are unusual and it is known for being family-friendly too.”

As well as iconic Millport locations, Eilidh has also produced goods focussing on other important Scottish landmarks.

She says she will continue to get creative as long as people are liking her work - and is hoping to keep the island as a key part of her designs.

Eilidh said: “I’ve had a great response from people so far and they seem to be really liking my stuff, which I’m happy about.

“I’m hoping the site itself will add more products as I’ve had people asking for new things, but that part of it is out of my control.

“Since the company is international I’ve had some sales from all over the world too, which is pretty cool.

“I will do more Millport things if people continue to ask for them."

You can find Eilidh’s work at www.redbubble.com/people/lunajane/shop