The Isle of Cumbrae, is the latest location in Scotland to have been recreated in Minecraft, joining the Cairngorms National Park, St Kilda, and Abertay University in the 200M selling videogame.
Built by a team of three students from Abertay University, Cumbraecraft is aimed at primary school children through the Millport Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, which focuses on the heritage and history of the island.
The virtual island includes all of the prominent landmarks and significant sites including Garrison House, Lion Rock and Cathedral of the Isles. Crocodile Rock, the local port and the town’s library can also be explored.
Exploring Local History
Games students Claire Monaghan, Fergus Coyne and Romain Bourdon worked on the project for three months while studying at Abertay, supported by Teaching Fellow Kayleigh Macleod.
Thanks to the ongoing Covid lockdown, the team was unable to visit the island before they began their work and had to rely on photos & video for reference.
The resource has been designed so it can be used in both classroom and home-learning settings, developers said.
Cumbraecraft is a great example of how games can be as a teaching tool. The game will be used to engage children and young people with local history, Scottish culture, language and tradition.
Kasia Smith, Regeneration Officer at North Ayrshire Council, said:
“We are thrilled that the game is now available as a resource for our young school pupils.
“Cumbrae has such a rich history and it is so important that our young people learn about their community and heritage.”
Kayleigh Macleod said:
“This exciting project has offered three of our fantastic students not only real industry experience producing work for a client that will be used by hundreds of children but also in the challenge of remote working.”
Fergus Coyne added:
“It was great to be able to create a game which will allow children to learn more about the history of their local area as well as showcase the tourism offering on the island,”
