The story of Fern Andy

‘Everybody knew about Fern Andy on the isle of Cumbrae, he was part of the old history of Millport.’

Fern Andy was a well-known hermit who lived in a cave round Fintry Bay during the summer months when food deliveries were left for him at the old Fintray Bay Lemonade Bar. In winter he would come back to town where he stayed in a small room and kitchen.

Fern Andy got his name from weaving baskets and mats from ferns and other plants for a living. He is also credited with painting the Indian Rock at the back of the island. He seemed to have been a friendly fellow which people used to visit in his cave, but it is not clear exactly how old he was when he passed away in the 1930s.

Today his story has still not been forgotten, and although the exact whereabouts of Fern Andy's cave were lost for a while, it has now been found again, its entrance overshadowed by leafy tree branches, and has fast become a new visitor attraction for Cumbrae!

More information on visiting the area can be found here.