In the Glasgow Herald of October 2, 1857, an advert announced:
“Feuing on the Roseneath Estate.—The new pier at Mambeg, on the Gareloch, is now open to the public. The ground on either side affords some very desirable sites for villas. For particulars, apply to James Dalgleish, Esq., W. S. Edinburgh; or Smith & Wharrie, Surveyors, 54 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. Duncan Campbell at Mambeg Farm, will give all local information.”
The pier was about equidistant from Garelochhead and the hamlet of Rahane where there was a ferry across the loch to Shandon, but the proximity of the pier was not well populated. A number of villas were built and advertised for summer lets but the pier remained in a fairly isolated spot. Despite limited local trade, the pier was popular with excursionist parties such a Sunday-school trips with ready access to suitable fields for picnics and games. The beauty of the surrounding countryside also brought ramblers and others interested in the outdoors.
In 1877, while there were repairs being made on the pier, speculation on the possibility of building a pier at neighboring Rahane appeared. However, the ides was not pursued and it remained ferry call.
“Rahane.—New quay.—It is currently rumoured here that the ferry-boat is about to be abandoned and a quay erected, and that signatures are being got from those favourable to the proposal.”—Helensburgh News, September 6, 1877
“Mambeg Pier—Mr M‘Ravie, who has been engaged for some time making repairs on the quay here, has just completed operations, the work being executed in a most creditable and business-like manner. Altogether the pier is in a more satisfactory condition than for many years back, which is bound to increase the traffic.”—Helensburgh News, September 6, 1877
The North British Railway steamers made regular calls at Mambeg. From Helensburgh, the called at Row, Roseneath, then through the narrows to Clynder, Barremman, and Rahane Ferry before crossing to Shandon and back across to Mambeg and then Garelochhead.
The following photographs were provided by Mr Douglas Brown, from his collection.
Diana Vernon at Mambeg Pier in the 1890s
Diana Vernon at Mambeg Pier in the 1890s
Diana Vernon at Mambeg Pier in the 1890s
The steamers of Messrs Buchanan, who had inherited the Gareloch trade from the Broomielaw, were also callers at Mambeg in the 1880s and 1890s and offered excursions until the pier was closed.
Bunchanan’s Shandon off Mambeg Pier around 1890
Lady Clare leaving Mambeg Pier around 1900
Lucy Ashton at Mambeg Pier in the 1930s (Valentine)
When Garelochhead pier was closed for a period in 1897, Mambeg was the alternative, served by the North British steamers.
In the 1930s as road traffic increased, Mambeg pier was little used and was closed in 1935, three years after the ferry call at Rahane was discontinued.
Monteith, J.; McCrorie, I. “Clyde Piers,” Inverclyde District Libraries, Greenock, 1982.