Kames Bay in Bute, and its associated Castle, appear early in the written history of Bute, coming into the ownership of the Bannatyne family before the fifteenth century. In the late eighteenth century, James Bannatyne is recorded to have been laird with a benevolent attitude to his tenants, but doing little to improve the estate beyond the planting of trees. He died in 1786, unmarried, and the estate passed to his nephew, William MacLeod, an advocate in Edinburgh, who became Lord Advocate in 1799. William took a more active interest in the estate and improved the roads through statute labour, and also, in 1801, built a stone quay. However, William, or Lord Bannatyne as he was called, was living beyond his means, and in 1810 the estate was sold to James Hamilton, another Edinburgh advocate, who began selling off many of the assets. James Hamilton died in 1849 and in 1854, his son, Rev. James Alexander Hamilton, sold what was left of the Kames Estate to Duncan Hoyle. He had been born on the Kames Estate, and made his fortune in the Australian gold rush and had been running a public house at St. Enoch’s Square, Glasgow.

Wester Kames Castle, dating from the sixteenth century, and less than a mile from Kames Castle

When Duncan Hoyle took over the estate, many of the occupants of the village that surrounded the quay were fishermen, and their hard-drinking gave the area the rather infamous soubriquet of “Grogport.” Feuing of the shoreline beyond Rothesay was then underway and Hoyle was determined to improve the village and develop feuing and its summer trade. His efforts led to some bitterness with the inhabitants.

As Rothesay expanded towards Ardbeg, there was talk of building a pier there. However, Hoyle smartly built one at the eastern end of the Port Bannatyne village serving the western end of Rothesay Bay and his own plans.

“Port-Bannatyne—Several months ago, when referring to the then proposal of erecting a pier at Ardbeg Point, near Rothesay, for the convenience of the numerous tenants in that quarter, we ventured the suggestion that the steamers might even run as far up as Port-Bannatyne. Since then this locality has been in a manner almost transmogrified by the extensive improvements effected on the Kames estate by its proprietor, D. Hoyle, Esq.; and therefore now that the season for pleasure-trip parties is fast approaching, we hail the intelligence that steps are being taken towards the erection of a pier at the place in question. A public meeting on the subject has already, last week, been held, and addressed by several of the leading gentlemen in Bute, from which it would appear that immediate steps will be taken in the matter. Considering the peculiarly beautiful nature of the scenery in this locality, and the rich field opened up for the geologist, the sportsman, &c., we trust, that no petty influence or quarrel, such as that about the pulling down of old net poles, will have any weight to prevent the erection of the proposed pier. Should the operations be entered upon, we can state that the proprietor, D. Hoyle, Esq., will exert himself to the utmost in elevating Port-Bannatyne to that position which, in point of locality and salubrity of climate, nature seems to have favoured it.”—North British Daily Mail, March 11, 1856

“Improvements at Port-Bannatyne.—A correspondent who has recently visited this well-known though retired little watering place and fishing village, informs us that he was much struck by the quiet beauty of the locality, and with the great improvements which had been made during the last two or three years. D. Hoyle, Esq., the proprietor of the Kames estate is actively engaged in improving and beautifying the district by the thinning of the wood, repairing the roads and fences; and has now commenced the erection of a pier, a work which will undoubtedly be found to be of the greatest public utility. and highly conducive to the comfort and safety of strangers visiting the place. Our correspondent also informs us that the proprietor of Kames has not received from some of the villagers that hearty co-operation to which his spirited exertions entitle him, and that in some cases his views have been opposed in rather a selfish and short-sighted spirit. For example it has long been the custom of the fisherman to dry their nets along the shore, and directly in front of the cottages, to the great annoyance of the summer residenters. No one, we understand, questions their right to the use of the shore for this purpose, but as the practice is objectionable to many, an attempt was made to induce them to accept of accommodation further along the beach; as this, however, would occasion them some little extra trouble, they refused to accede to the proposal. Now, as all improvements tending to attract strangers to the Port would be beneficial for the fishermen themselves, we hope that in the future they will meet in a more friendly and conciliatory spirit the wishes of Mr Hoyle, who is, we understand a native of the district and sincerely interested in their welfare.—Dumbarton Herald”—Glasgow Herald, September 26, 1856

Port Bannatyne showing the pier and Free Church. Even as late as the 1870s when this photograph was taken, the poles for drying nets could still be seen on the shoreline

The pier was completed early in 1857, and attracted traffic from the Kyles steamer, at that time, the Mail. The Mail was also the first vessel to call and open the new pier.

“Glasgow, Rothesay, and Kyles of Bute.—The fine swift-sailing steamer Mail will resume plying on the above station on and after Tuesday the 10th March, sailing from the Bridge Wharf every lawful day (unless prevented by unforeseen circumstances), for Greenock, Gourock, Kirn, Dunoon, Innellan, and Rothesay, at 2 o’clock afternoon, returning from Rothesay at 8 o’clock morning. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday’s she will go on to Port-Bannatyne, Colintraive, Ormidale, Tynabruach, and Kames, returning from Kames about 7 o’clock on the following morning, calling at the above places.”—Glasgow Herald, March 6, 1857

The Mail was built in 1856 by Messrs John Barr at Kelvinhaugh for his own service to Rothesay, but changed hands in July 1857 and left the Clyde for Russia.

In March, 1857, the Mail brought guests for the opening of Port-Bannatyne pier.

“New Pier at Port Bannatyne.—The fine swift-sailing steamer Mail will leave the Bridge Wharf for Rothesay on Friday (to-day), at twelve o’clock noon, waiting the arrival at Greenock of the one o’clock train from Glasgow, to convey parties down interested in the opening of the new pier at Port Bannatyne.”—Glasgow Herald, March 6, 1857

“Opening of the new pier at Kames Bay.— The new pier, lately erected it the vicinity of Port-Bannatyne, by Duncan Hoyle, Esq. of Kames Castle, at his sole expense, was opened on Friday last under the most auspicious circumstances. The swift steamer Mail arrived at Rothesay in the afternoon, with colours flying, having on board the owner, John Barr, Esq., engineer, and a number of gentlemen from Glasgow and Greenock. They were joined at Rothesay quay by a very large company of the most influential parties there, and afterwards proceeded to the new pier, where they were most heartily welcomed by the proprietor and a number of ladies and gentlemen resident in the neighbourhood. In celebration of the event, about eighty gentlemen dined together in the Free Church School Room, Port-Bannatyne, which was gracefully decorated with evergreens for the occasion. Provost Munn, of Rothesay, occupied the chair, supported on the right by Duncan Hoyle, Esq.; Dr. Gibson, Rothesay; Andrew Haig, Esq., Kilmorie; Archibald Sword, Esq., Greenock; and Archibald Sharp, Esq., J.P., Rothesay—and on the left by the Rev. Alexander M‘Bride, Free Church, Port-Bannatyne; Dr. M‘Lachlan, Rothesay; Thomas K. Hardie, Esq., late of Australia; and John M‘Nairn, Esq., Glasgow. Duncan Thomson, Esq., Ardbeg, discharged the duties of croupier, supported on the right by Duncan Salmond, Esq., and on the left by Niel Campbell, Esq., Greenock.”—Glasgow Herald, March 11, 1857

“Opening of the New Pier at Port Bannatyne —On Friday, the formal opening of the new pier at Port Bannatyne, built the expense of Duncan Hoyle, Esq. of Kames, took place with great eclat. The fast steamer Mail arrived here from Glasgow twelve o’clock, and the party on board was joined by several our townsmen. At Rothesay, the provost, bailies, and town officials, and a large party were received on board the Mail, which, displaying a quantity of bunting, steamed for Port Bannatyne, and ran alongside the new pier amidst the loud cheers of the inhabitants, who crowded to the spot. The party, landing from the steamer, were received by Mr Hoyle and several friends. The pier, which is situated at a short distance beyond the eastern extremity Port Bannatyne, is built of wood, and is constructed in a most substantial manner. In the afternoon a dinner took place in honour of the occasion in the Free School Room, which was very tastefully decorated, when from seventy to eighty gentlemen sat down. Provost Munn of Rothesay ably occupied the chair, supported Duncan Hoyle, Esq., Rev. Mr M‘Bride, Dr Gibson, &c., and the croupier‘s duties were performed Duncan Thomson, Esq,, Ardbeg. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, the Lord of the Manor., Prosperity to the New Pier, and numerous local toasts were adequately proposed and responded to. The health of the contractors was also drunk, and a high compliment paid them for the efficient and satisfactory fulfilment of their contract. An exceedingly pleasant evening was spent, and the Mail left between 9 and 10 p.m. for Glasgow.”—Glasgow Sentinel, March 14, 1857

The Old Mill

The Mill, Port Bannatyne

Another change made by Duncan Hoyle was the conversion of the old Lint Mill to a sawmill. George Halliday was the first tenant, and in later years his fleet of lighters were frequent callers at the old quay.

Smack Cottage Girl at the old quay

A Ketch at the old quay

Puffers Meteor and Messrs Halliday’s Grisle at the old quay with coal

Halliday’s Elizabeth at the quay and Eagle III at the pier in 1928 (Valentine)

Halliday’s Elizabeth unloading in 1930 (Valentine)

A Ross & Marshall puffer, probably Moonlight, while King Edward calls at the pier

A small tug at the quay around 1930

Following the departure of the steamer, Mail, the Kyles of Bute steamer in 1858 was the Kelpie, a fine iron two-funneled vessel that had been built by Messrs Tod & MacGregor at Meadowside in 1857. She was not a success, and was found to be slower than many of the contemporaries with which her owners hoped she would compete. At the end of 1858, she went to the Shannon in Ireland.

“The fast-sailing steamer Kelpie will on and after Monday the 31st May, sail direct for Greenoc,k Gourock, Kirn, Dunoon, Innellan, Rothesay, and Port Bannatyne, as under:— from Glasgow at 3:00 p.m.; express train 4:00 p.m., down; from Port Bannatyne at 7:30 a.m., and from Rothsay at 7:45 a.m.; express train 9:15 a.m., up.—Glasgow May 20th 1858.”—Glasgow Herald, June 2, 1858

In 1859, the name of the village was changed from Port Bannatyne to Kamesburgh, severing the Bannatyne connection and acknowledging importance of the laird of the Kames estate.

“Bute.—On and after the 1st May prox., the name of the village of Port Bannatyne will be changed to Kamesburgh. This change of name is sanctioned by the Postmaster-General. In the early part of this century the village was known as “Grogport,” in honour of the bibulous tendencies of its then inhabitants. One trait in connexion with this peculiarity was that the prizes at the fishermen’s regattas were always at once converted into whisky, and until their value was completely exhausted not a fishing boat left the bay.”—Glasgow Courier, April 28, 1859

The name change was not a success. “Port Bannatyne” persisted in many advertisements and official correspondence and there was some confusion created between Kamesburgh and the village of Kames on the Kyles of Bute.

Port Bannatyne in the 1880s

Port Bannatyne in the 1880s (Washington Wilson)

The Eagle took over the Kyles of Bute sailing in 1859. No stranger to the Kyles, the Eagle was built in 1852 by Messrs Alexander Denny at Dumbarton, and purchased by Messrs Williamson, Buchanan, and Cook for the Arran by way of Rothesay and the Kyles service. The partnership soon broke up and Captain Buchanan by this time was the owner. In June, 1859, the Eagle was advertised sailing from Glasgow to Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and the Kyles of Bute, leaving Bridge Wharf at 2:50 p.m. for Greenock where she connected with trains at 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. and calling at Kirn, Dunoon, Innellan, Rothesay and the Kyles of Bute. Her morning run to Glasgow began at the Kyles at 7 a.m., Kamesburgh at 8 a.m., and Rothesay at 8:45, connecting with the up-train at Princes Pier at 10:30 a.m.

Eagle (Alastair Macfarlane, Evening Citizen)

The following year, Eagle continued with the same schedule although the departure from Rothesay was at 8:55 p.m. During the season, she was joined by the Alma, that left Glasgow at 11 a.m. for Rothesay, Kamesburgh and the Kyles of Bute, calling at the usual intermediate piers, and returning from the Kyles at 4 p.m.; Rothesay at 5 p.m., for a return fare of 2s., cabin and 1s 6d, steerage.

It was in 1862 that a major change took place. The Eagle, owned by Captain Buchanan, had an opposition steamer, the Sultan, owned by his original partner in ship-owning, Captain Alexander Williamson. The Sultan had been launched by Messrs Barclay, Curle & Co., in May 1861 for Alexander M‘Kellar’s Gareloch fleet, and was fitted with the engines of the Wellington of 1853. In 1861, she had sailed on the Holy Loch station in consort with the Nelson, and had recorded some very fast passages. She was a regular on the Monday morning sailing at 6 a.m. from Kilmun, calling at Dunoon at 6:30 and Gourock, then direct to Glasgow.

“Quick sailing—Yesterday morning the new and favorite steamer Sultan left Dunoon a little after half-past six o’clock, and, notwithstanding an unfavourable tide landed her passengers at the Broomielaw at seventeen minutes to nine o’clock, or in fully two hours. She was crowded, as she always is on Monday mornings.”—Glasgow Herald, July 2, 1861.

Recognising a fast and maneuverable steamer, Captain Williamson purchased the Sultan and placed her on the Kyles run. Her overnight berth was Ormidale, rather than Kames where the Eagle generally berthed.

“Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and Kyles of Bute, calling at Hunter’s Quay. The new steamer Sultan will sail every lawful day—from Glasgow at 2 p.m., train 3 p.m.; from Kyles of Bute at 6 a.m.; from Rothesay at 7:40 a.m., in time for the 9.15 a.m. train. Calling at all intermediate ports. Fares to Rothesay—cabin, 1s.; steerage, 6d.”—Glasgow Herald, August 12, 1862

The Eagle sailed an hour or so later.

“Observe—ten minutes before three o’clock, to Rothesay for 6d.; cabin, 1s.,—Rothesay and Kyles of Bute.—The steamer Eagle sails every lawful day—from Glasgow* at 2:50 p.m., train 3:35 and 4:00 p.m.; from Kyles of Bute at 7 a.m.; fro Rothesay at 8:45 a.m.; train 10:30 a.m. *Calls at Renfrew and Bowling Railway Wharfs only, but does not call at Gourock on down passage.”—Glasgow Herald, August 12, 1862

During the winter, the Petrel maintained the route as the Eagle was sold to run the blockade of the Confederate States..

“Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and Kyles of Bute.—Swift steamer Petrel, from Glasgow at 3 p.m., train 4 p.m.; from Rothesay at 8:45 a.m., train 10.30 a.m. To Kyles of Bute every Tuesday and Thursday, returning the following morning from Kames at 7 a.m..”—North British Daily Mail, November 17, 1862

During the season of 1863, the Petrel was one of a consortium on the Rothesay station with a sailing to the Kyles of Bute.

“Rothesay and Kyles of Bute.—New and first-class steamers Rothsay Castle, Victory, Alma, and Petrel—From Glasgow, forenoon ½-past 7, 11, and 12, afternoon ¼ before 3 and four train 4 and 4.45. From Rothesay, forenoon 7, ½-past 9, and 11, train 11.30 and 12.30, afternoon ½-past 3 and 5. To Kyles every day at ¼ before 3, train 4 from. From Kames at ½-past 7.

“At 4-Down direct to Greenock, 7-Up direct from Gourock, and no goods and luggage carried except at 11 and 12 and quarter before 3 to Kyles. On Saturday night Down to Rothesay at ½-past 7; Up from Rothesay on Monday morning at 6. Direct from Gourock. Commencing from Glasgow on Tuesday at 12.”—Glasgow Herald, June 25, 1863

“Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and Kyles of Bute. The steamer Sultan will sail every lawful day—from Glasgow at 2 p.m., train 3 p.m.; from Rothesay at 7:50 a.m., train 9.30 a.m. train. Returning from Ormidale at 6:15 a.m.”—Glasgow Herald, June 25, 1863

By the following year, the Sultan had the monopoly of the Kyles of Bute business, and by 1866, pushed back her morning sailing from Kyles of Bute to 7 a.m., Rothesay 8.40 a.m. meeting the train at Greenock at 10.30 a.m. except on Monday morning when the schedule began an hour earlier.

Captain Williamson added a second steamer, Sultana, in 1868. Launched from the yard of Messrs Robertson & Co., Greenock on Marh 13th, she was an iron paddle steamer at 188ft long, 22ft longer than Sultan and with an engine generating 80 h.p., more powerful than the 60 h.p. of her stablemate. The new steamer was placed on the Kyles run while the Sultan sailed to Rothesay.

“Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and Kyles of Bute. Steamer Sultana sails daily, as under:—From Kyles of Bute, at 7 a.m.; From Rothesay, at 8:45 a.m.; train, 10:30 a.m., From Glasgow, at 2 p.m., train 3 p.m. On Mondays only, from Ormidale at 5:50 a.m., Kames, 6:15, Tighnabruaich, 6:25, Kamesburgh, 7:10, Rothesay, 7:30, Innellan, 7:50, direct to Greenock, per 8.00 express. Dunoon, 9:20—train, 10:30, as usual.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, August 7, 1869

“Glasgow to Rothesay and Kamesburgh—Steamer Victory sails daily from Glasgow, at 9 o’clock, train 9.45 a.m., for Greenock, Gourock, Kilcreggan, Kirn Dunoon, Innellan, Toward, and Rothesay; Returning from Rothesay at 1.45 p.m., train 3.30 p.m. Schools and excursion parties taken cheap.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, August 7, 1869

The following year, with the opening of the Greenock and Ayrshire route to Princes Pier, both steamers incorporated calls at Kamesburgh.

“Glasgow, Rothesay, and Kamesburgh, calling at Hunter’s Quay.—Steamer Sultan sails daily:—From Glasgow at 9 a.m.; trains Caledonian, 9.45, Greenock and Ayrshire, 10; From Kamesburgh at 1 p.m., Rothesay 1.30; trains Greenock and Ayrshire, 3.15, Caledonian, 3.30.

“Glasgow, Rothesay, Kamesburgh, and Kyles of Bute.—Change of hours.—Steamer Sultana sails daily:—From Ormidale at 6.45 a.m., Rothesay 8.35 a.m., trains Greenock and Ayrshire (Express), 10 a.m., Caledonian, 10 a.m.; From Glasgow at 2 p.m.; trains Caledonian, 3 p.m., Greenock and Ayrshire, 3.15. Notice.—Will leave the Kyles of Bute one hour earlier every Monday morning. From Rothesay at 7.30 a.m.; Innellan, at 7.50 a.m., direct to Greenock, in connection with Greenock and Ayrshire train at 8.35, Caledonian train at 8.45. From Dunoon, Kirn, and Gourock at usual hours, for 10 a.m. express to Glasgow.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, June 30, 1870.

Captain Williamson added the Viceroy to his fleet in 1875. With the name theme continued, the Williamson steamers were known as the “Turkish Fleet.” Built of iron by Messrs D. & W. Henderson, Glasgow, Viceroywas 195ft long and her engines provided 194 h.p. She was fitted with a saloon under her raised quarter-deck, and was placed on the Kyles station. The Sultan as spare steamer was advertised as available for hire on moderate rates.

The Turkish Fleet at Port Bannatyne, its home port

“Glasgow, Rothesay, Port-Bannatyne, and Kyles of Bute.—Splendid new saloon steamer, Viceroy, sails daily, from Glasgow at 2 p.m., train, Dunlop St., 3.10 p.m.; from Ormidale at 6.45 a.m.; from Rothesay at 8.40 a.m., train G.&S.W., 10.15 a.m. Calls at Hunter’s Quay Up-run only.”—Glasgow Herald, August 19, 1875.

“On Saturdays the Sultana does not call at Port-Bannatyne on the 2.50 p.m. run.— Glasgow, Rothesay, and Port-Bannatyne.—Steamer Sultana sails daily, from Port Bannatyne at 7.10 a.m.; from Rothesay at 7.30 a.m., train G.&S.W. (Exp.), 9.00 a.m.; from Glasgow at 2.50 p.m., train, Dunlop Street, 4.05 p.m. Does not call at Gourock on Down run.

“To Kyles of Bute, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; returning on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and Tighnabruaich at 6.30 a.m. Additional accommodation n Saturdays only, from Rothesay at 7 p.m., for Greenock, train to Glasgow (G. and S.-W.), 8.40 p.m.; returning from Greenock on arrival of 8 p.m. expree train from Dunlop Street. Additional accommodation on Monday mornings only, as under:—from Port-Bannatyne, at 7.10 a.m., from Rothesay, at 7.25 a.m., from Innellan, at 7.45 a.m., thence direct to Prince’s Pier, Greenock, for 8.25 a.m. express train, arriving in Glasgow about 9.20 a.m.”—Glasgow Herald, August 19, 1875.

Duncan Hoyle sold the Kames estate in 1863 to the Trustees of the Marquis of Bute. After the third Marquis had gained the Majority, he changed the name of the village back to “Port Bannatyne.”

“The difficulty of changing an old name has been exemplified in a remarkable way in the attempt which was made some years ago to change the name of Port-Bannatyne to that of Kamesburgh. Notwithstanding that the official sanction the Post Office was got to change the name, “the Port” still remains the favourite designation of the pretty Bute village. The steamers, in their bills and time-tables, call it invariably “Port- Bannatyne,” while, if you take up a Glasgow or Rothesay newspaper to look for advertisements of houses let in the locality, “Port- Bannatyne” in nine out of ten, and not “Kamesburgh,” is the heading of the information. There is a Kames pier in the Kyles of Bute which appears to conflict with the Port Kamesburgh, and to avoid any risk of confusion, the steamers naturally prefer the unequivocal “Port-Bannatyne,” which everybody appears to know far and near. The name of “Kamesburgh” does not appear to take well with the people of the locality or the surrounding neighbourhood, all of whom seem naturally inclined to stick by the old familiar name “Port-Bannatyne.” “Port- Bannatyne” has been so long associated with the spot, from being the family name of long line of proprietors of excellent repute, who owned the surrounding lands for many centuries, that it seems to the people a kind of sacrilege to put away the name. The present proprietor of the estate the old Bannatynes (the Most Noble the Marquess of Bute) has frequently expressed a wish that the name should be restored in all respects to the familiar “Port Bannatyne;” and it would be greatly to the public advantage if means were taken to get the Post Office Authorities to restore the original name “Port Bannatyne” officially with as little delay as possible.”—Rothesay Chronicle, September 8, 1877.

In 1879, tracks for a horse-tram were laid between Rothesay and Port Bannatyne and in 1902, this was electrified and extended to the sands of Ettrick Bay. The formation of the Rothesay esplanade in the late 1870s displaced Messrs J.&J. Fyfe from the “Red Shed” on the Ardbeg shore to Ardmeliesh on Kames Bay, adding to boat building as an industry at “The Port.”

The sands of Ettrick Bay across the isthmus from Port Bannatyne

Unloading a ketch at Ettrick Bay

Holiday crowds at Ettrick Bay

In September 1883, the Turkish fleet offered sailings to Rothesay and Intermediate ports from Princes Pier at 10:50 a.m., 1:55 p.m., 3:50 p.m. and 4.43 p.m. connecting with the trains from St Enoch at 10:05 a.m.; 1.05 p.m., 3.05 p.m. (3:00 on Saturdays), and 4.05 p.m. Sailings from Rothesay to Greenock were at 7:32 a.m., 8:40 a.m., and 4:30 p.m., connecting with the trains at Princes Pier leaving at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 6:20 p.m. The 4:30 p.m. boat did not sail on Saturdays, but there were later sailings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, connecting with the 8:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. trains at Princes Pier. There was also a late sailing from Greenock at 8:20 p.m. in connection with the 8:00 p.m. train from St Enoch. This was carried out by the Sultana and she proceeded to Ormidale for her early sailing on Monday morning.

The steamer Viceroy was the Kyles of Bute steamer, calling at Rothesay and Port-Bannatyne. She left Glasgow at 2:00 p.m., and called at Greenock at 3:50 p.m., with a connection with the train leaving St Enoch at 3:05 p.m. The morning run to Glasgow left Ormidale at 6:40 a.m., Port-Bannatyne at 8:15 a.m., and Rothesay at 8:40 a.m., to connect with the Glasgow and South Western train at Princes Pier 10:15, and with an additional stop at Custom House Quay for passengers travelling by the Caledonian train leaving Greenock at 10:30

There was additional accommodation on Mondays only, when the steamer Sultana left Ormidale at 5:55, Kames 6:10, Auchenlochan 6:15, Tighnabruaich 6:25, and Colintraive 6:40 a.m. in connection with 8:45 a.m. express from Princes Pier.

During the week, the Sultan left Glasgow at 11:55 a.m. connecting with the 1:05 train from St Enoch at Princes Pier, terminating at Port-Bannatyne, from where she left for Glasgow at 4:10 p.m., and Rothesay at 4:30 p.m., connecting with the 6:15 p.m. train at Princes Pier. On Saturdays only, she proceeded to the Kyles in connection with the 1:05 train from St Enoch. Her afternoon run to Glasgow on Saturdays, began at Kames at 5:10 p.m., Tighnabruaich at 5:30 p.m. and Rothesay at 6.30 p.m. for Greenock and Glasgow.

The east end villas of Port Bannatyne beyond the pier

Port Bannatyne in the 1890s

In 1892, the Glasgow & South-Western Railway Company purchased the “Turkish Fleet,” and the goodwill of the business. Port-Bannatyne retained a regular service of visits from both the South-Western and Caledonian steamers on the Kyles run, but the former remained favourites.

Port-Bannatyne could be reached by the 10:05 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. trains from St Enoch, although the latter was replaced by the connection with the 2:03 train on Saturdays. Sailings from Port-Bannatyne were at 7:20 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 10:20 a.m. (Saturdays excepted), and 2:40 p.m. The Caledonian service connected with the 10:25 a.m. and 4:12 trains from Glasgow with additional sailings at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Sailings from Port-Bannatyne were at 7:10 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. with additional sailings on Saturdays at 12:35 p.m. and 3:35 p.m.

G.&S.W. steamer Viceroy at the buoy in Kames Bay (Stengel)

G.&S.W. steamer Minerva on a misty morning at the pier in the 1890s

A closer view of Minerva

G.&S.W. steamer Minerva leaving the pier. The old Catholic chapel is in the foreground

Port Bannatyne

Improvements made to the Esplanade

The esplanade around 1910 with an electric tram

Port Bannatyne

A view across the bay with the tower of the established church, St Ninian’s, prominent at the point

The villa of Swanstonhill was built in 1855 for a Mr John Smith, and in June 1879, a wing was added to the west side of the house and it was converted to the Kyles of Bute Hydropathic establishment, taking advantage of the salubrious climate and spectacular location with views across to Loch Striven. The hydro proved very popular and added greatly to the prosperity of the area. A fire in 1909, caused considerable damage and the rebuilding allowed an expansion with a further wing to the east. Although hydropathic establishments declined in popularity in the new century, the Kyles of Bute Hydro survived until the beginning of the second world war when it was taken over by the Admiralty.

An early view of the Hydro from the bay

Kyles of Bute Hydro from the pier around 1910

Kyles of Bute Hydropathic from the air around 1920

Port Bannatyne from the air in 1920

In the first decade of the new century, Kames Bay became known as a good location to watch seals, and became known as “Seal Bay” by holiday-makers. About this time, the waiting room on the pier was topped with a wooden seal model. It did not last long, however, as it was removed to make room for the pier signaling apparatus.

Mercury arriving at the pier around 1908

Port Bannatyne pier in August 1908

Isle of Arran on a Sunday cruise in August 1908. The Caledonian steamer Duchess of Fife is tied up at the pier and passengers would have to cross her decks to get the the Isle of Arran

“Note.—10 a.m. steamer calls daily at Port Bannatyne going and returning.—Daily pleasure sailings to Kirn, Dunoon, Innellan, and Rothesay. Saloon steamers sail from Bridge Wharf, as under:—Isle of Cumbrae 9.20 a.m., Isle of Bute 10 a.m. Isle of Arran 11 a.m. Returning from Rothesay at 2.30, 4, and 4.45 p.m.; Dunoon, 3.10, 4.40. and 5.25. Arriving Glasgow, 5.45, 7, and 7.45 respectively. Return tickets (available by either steamer)—Rothesay—steerage, 1/6; saloon, 2/-; Dunoon—steerage, 1/-; saloon, 1/6. Day’s sail (saloon), with dinner and plain tea, 4s 6d.”—September, 1910

After the electrification of the tramway in 1902, the steamer service to Port-Bannatyne decreased in importance, but the convenience of the pier and the sheltered bay ensured that it continued. It was also popular with excursion traffic.

Mercury arriving at Port Bannatyne in August 1913

Mercury at the pier in August 1913

A view across the bay in 1913 (Judges)

Embarking for a motor-boat trip in 1919 (Valentine)

 

Williamson-Buchanan’s Isle of Skye at the pier in 1919

“Glasgow Autumn Holiday.—Today (Monday), 28th September.—Williamson-Buchanan steamers will sall from Bridge Wharf as under:—Kylemore, 9.0 a.m. for Dunoon, Rothesay, and Port-Bannatyne. Isle of Skye, 10 a.m. for Blalrmore, Carrick Castle, and Lochgoilhead. Isle of Arran, 10.0 a.m. for Dunoon, Rothesay, and Port-Bannatyne. Queen Empress, 10.30 a.m. for Dunoon, Rothesay, and cruise to Kyles of Bute. Eagle, 11.0 a.m. for Dunoon, Rothesay, and cruise to Loch Striven. Steamers return from Rothesay at 3.15 p.m., 4.0 p.m., 4.20 p.m, 4.40 p.m.; Dunoon, 3.55 p.m., 4.40 p.m., 5.0 p.m., and 5.20 p.m.; and from Lochgoilhead at 3.30 p.m. Return fares—Dunoon (sal.) 3/6; (f.sal.) 2/6; Rothesay or Lochgoil (sal.) 4/-, (f.sal) 3/-. Day’s sail (saloon), with dinner and tea, 9s. 6d. Day’s sail (saloon), with dinner and tea, 9s. per Isle of Skye. John Williamson & Co., 99 Gt. Clyde St., Glasgow.”—September 1921

 

In 1923, it is Eagle III at the pier with the war memorial in the foreground

The pier and east end of Port Bannatyne in 1928 (Valentine)

“L.M.S.—Thursday, 25th July, Unique evening excursion by Duchess of Argyll to Port Bannatyne thence by electric railway to Ettrick Bay. Electric trams and charabancs will be in waiting at Port Bannatyne to convey to and from Ettrick Bay, or if they desire, passengers may take tram to Rothesay and back. From Greenock (p.p.) 6.15 p.m. From Gourock 6.30 p.m. Return fares—to Port Bannatyne, 1/9; to Port Bannatyne, pier dues, and electric tram to Ettrick Bay or Rothesay, 2/3. Note—Free admission to entertainment by concert party at Ettrick Bay on production of combined ticket.”—July 24, 1935

The L.N.E.R. steamer Talisman at the pier in the late 1930s

The pier closed to regular service traffic on September 2nd, 1939 when the L.M.S steamer Jupiter made the final call.

The Second World War brought new activities to Port Bannatyne. The Kyles of Bute Hydro became the headquarters of the 12th submarine flotilla, renamed H.M.S Varbel. The secret work trained and tested the operation of midget submarines that were deployed in attacks on enemy targets such as the Tirpitz. There was also a floating dock in the bay, associated with this activity. The Hydro survived the war but was closed in the 1960s and demolished.

The wartime floating dock in Kames Bay

The Hydro around 1960

Another activity brought to the wartime bay was the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Co., whose ocean-going tugs were responsible for bringing vessels, damaged in the Western Approaches, to the Clyde

Boats for hire in the 1950s