Isle of Cumbrae Recreated In Video Game Minecraft

Isle of Cumbrae recreated in video game Minecraft

20 April 2021

As part of a program to educate young people about the region’s historical significance The Isle of Cumbrae was recreated in Minecraft.

Students from Abertay University, Dundee, created Cumbraecraft based on the popular Ayrshire Coast tourist attraction.

The game includes eight lessons that are aimed at children from primary schools.
Minecraft

The virtual island has locations such as Garrison House, Lion Rock and Cathedral of the Isles.

Crocodile Rock, the port and the Millport library are also explorable in the game.

It was developed to be used in both home and classroom settings.

The project was completed by Romain Bourdon, Fergus Coyne, and Claire Monaghan (Games students) while they were studying at Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics.

Due to current travel restrictions, the trio were not able to visit the island prior to the time they began their work. They had to rely on images as their only point of reference.

The game is part of a regeneration program that is being implemented by North Ayrshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland.

The council’s regeneration officer Kasia Smith said she was “thrilled” that the game was accessible to pupils.

She added: “Cumbrae has such a rich history and it is vital that our young people learn about their community and the history of their community.

“Our Millport Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme has been an enormous success in preserving the island’s historical features and Cumbraecraft has allowed us to reach out to a younger audience.”