Colintraive

on Jan 20, 2018

The origins of the ferry at Colintraive are obscure but pre-date the introduction of steam on the Clyde. The early steamboat guidebooks refer to the ferry in the Kyles of Bute. “From Rothesay the channel, for some miles, takes a north-westerly course, leaving the Clyde, and taking the name of the Kyles of Bute, which encircles half the island. In sailing through this channel, several agreeable prospects are met with. A few miles farther on to the right is the opening of Loch Striven; and near it the house of Southall, Campbell; about 8 miles from it is a ferry called Collintray; close to it are some rocky islands, and the mouth of Loch Ridden, where is Red Island, on which are the ruins of a castle of that name, used as a garrison, in 1685, in favour of Monmouth.”—The Steamboat Companion, James Lumsden & Sons, Glasgow, 1820. The construction of the road down Glendaruel in the early...

Ormidale

on Dec 20, 2017

In 1854, the laird of the estate of Ormidale, at the head of Loch Riddon in the Kyles of Bute, took steps to emulate his neighbours and begin feuing property for the construction of villas and summer homes for the wealthy residents of Glasgow and the industrial belt. His initial acts were the construction of a pier and hotel at the relatively remote location, and the following year, efforts to attract summer residents began in earnest. The pier was officially opened in July, 1856. Glasgow Herald, May 8, 1854 Glasgow Herald, June 12, 1854 Ormidale Pier (Spencer) Ormidale Pier Loch Riddon is a typical west coast estuarine loch fed by the river Ruel. About two-thirds of the way up the loch, it becomes very shallow and so the pier was constructed close to the point where it could be navigated by the steamships of the day. It was at the end of 1855, that the Glasgow and Lochfyne Steam...

Tigh-na-bruaich

on Dec 16, 2017

The village of Tighnabruich lies west of the mouth of Loch Ridden in a sheltered location with spectacular views to the south, down the western arm of the Kyles of Bute. The remote site is passed over in the early guides and accounts of sailing through the Kyles. Lumsden’s Steamboat Companion gives no mention, even in its later editions:— “From Rothesay the channel, for some miles, takes a north-westerly course, leaving the Clyde, and taking the name of the Kyles of Bute, which encircles half the island. Opposite to Rothesay bay is Auchenwilliam, Kirkman Finlay, Esq.; and 2 miles on the left is Port Bannatyne Bay and Village which, as well as Rothesay, is the occasional retreat of sea-bathing visitors; at the head of the bay stands Kames Castle, Hamilton, a romantic situation; and near it, an old tower, in ruins. In sailing through this channel, several agreeable prospects are met...

Kames

on Dec 9, 2017

This little article was aimed at cataloging the origins of the steamer pier at Kames, on the Kerry shore of the Kyles of Bute, just a mile or so from Auchenlochan and a few miles from Tighnabruaich. However, the impact of the Kames Gunpowder Works in the development of the surrounding area has held a fascination for me over the years. What follows is a brief account of the Gunpowder Works and this is followed by an account of the subsequent feuing and the construction of the steamer pier to anchor the community of Kames. Gunpowder is a mixture of charcoal and sulfur with saltpetre (nitrate) as oxidant and in 1839, a company was set up at Millhouse, near Kames on the Kyles of Bute, to refine saltpetre and produce the explosive mixture. A good account of the works appeared in the Glasgow Herald in 1853. “Kames Gunpowder Company’s Works.—(from the Greenock Advertiser.) Among the many...

Auchenlochan

on Dec 2, 2017

Feuing on the Poltalloch estate two miles south of Tighnabruaich on the Kyles of Bute began in 1859. Despite the natural beauty of the area and the safe anchorage it provided for yachting, the absence of a pier was a major drawback, and it was not until almost twenty years later that Mr. Malcolm of Poltalloch applied for permission to develop a pier. “New Pier in the Kyles of Bute.—The Board of Trade report that they intend to proceed with the Provisional Order applied for by Mr. John Malcolm of Portalloch to enable him to construct a pier at Auchenlochan, Kyles of Bute. The pier will extend 75 yards into the sea, and is estimated to coast £2,200.”—Northern Whig, March 8, 1878 “Auchenlochan Pier.—A fine new iron pier situated Auchenlochan, on the Argyllshire coast, a mile and three-quarters south of Tighnabruaich, has recently been opened, The new structure, the cost of which has been...

The Storm of November 26, 1912

on Nov 24, 2017

On the afternoon of November 26, 1912, a storm of hurricane proportions hit the West of Scotland, bringing more than half an inch of rain, and winds gusting in excess of 75 miles an hour. The storm was not the most violent on record but its peak coincided with the high tide causing more widespread damage. High tide at Glasgow reached over 25 feet, the highest value since 1882 so that the channel was 50 feet deep. Contractors cranes were blown over at the new Meadowside Granary. The steamships Architect and Clydeholm were damaged in the harbour and the Cervales was ashore. Further down the river, Bowling Harbour was submerged and the Renfrew and Yoker ferries were suspended. Helensburgh was isolated with roads and railway flooded, Ashton esplanade was damaged and the esplanade at Fairlie was washed away. Some of the worst damage was recorded on the Cowal shore. Dunoon Town Council...