The halcyon days of the paddle steamers carrying thousands of workers from Glasgow ‘down the watter’ to holiday on these isles may be long gone, but Arran, Bute and Great Cumbrae remain popular destinations with folk from Scotland’s biggest city and beyond. The largest island, Arran, boasts not just one of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain ranges, but lowlands and rich history too, while Rothesay on Bute and Millport on Cumbrae retain the charm of seaside resorts from years gone by. Beyond these, there are real gems amongst the smaller isles of the Firth, from the cliffs and gannetries of Ailsa Craig to the remarkable cave painting on the tidal island of Davaar.