The pier on Lochgoil that is least well-known is Douglas Pier. Even the date on which it opened is obscure but must be sometime in the mid to late 1850s when the owner of the Glenfinart Estate, Major-General John Douglas, decided to open feuing on the Loch Goil shore a few miles from Lochgoilhead on the south side of the loch. Douglas had led the 11th Hussars in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.
“Feuing at Lochgoil.—Of the various localities in the neighbourhood the Firth Clyde, which have of late been brought before the notice the public for feuing, we know of none more likely to become popular than the beautiful ground on the west shore of Lochgoil, belonging Mr Douglas of Glenfinart. The feuing plan of Lettermay shore, at the head of the Loch, is now completed, and the feus ready to be given off there, and on other finely situated parts of the Glenfinart shore. Lochgoilhead is proverbial for picturesqueness of scenery and salubrity of climate, and it is also noticed for the abundance and excellence of the fishing. It combines the privacy of rural retirement with the benefit of seabathing, and easy access to Glasgow by rail and steamer daily in 2½ hours. A landing pier, we understand, is to be erected at a convenient place as soon as about six acres of the Lettermay ground are feued.”—Greenock Advertiser, August 8, 1856
Feus at Lochgoilhead across the head of the loch had been taken up briskly in the previous few years but the feuing on the south side of the loch was not a success. Nevertheless the pier was built and became a regular call for the Lochgoilhead Company’s steamers over the years.
Glasgow Herald, August 16, 1878
Douglas Pier in 1882 (Valentine)
Glasgow Herald, June 9, 1879
Paisley Herald, August 14, 1880
Lochgoil Company’s Edinburgh Castle at Douglas Pier in 1888 (Valentine)
Traffic was generally light but the pier did become popular with excursion parties, works and Sunday-school trips where a nearby field could be hired for activities. The Lochgoilhead Company went out of business in 1913 and the mail service to the area was then maintained by Messrs MacBrayne with their motor vessel Comet. After the first world war, Iona took over the service in the busy summer months and is seen here at Douglas Pier in 1923.
Iona at Douglas Pier in 1923
Looking down Loch Goil from above Douglas Pier
The pier was well maintained through its lifetime but was closed to passenger traffic in 1942 and taken over by the Navy. Loch Goil was used for testing submarines.