Wemyss Bay

It is widely believed that Wemyss Bay takes its name from the Gaelic for cave. No-one though is quite sure where the location of this cave could be, though there is one of significant size located further along the coast road in Skelmorlie.

Positioned on the fringes of Renfrewshire and on the border with Ayrshire, Wemyss Bay lies 8 miles (13 km) south of Greenock and 31 miles (50 km) west of Glasgow.

Wemyss Bay proved wildly popular during the heyday of the Clyde Steamers and the development of the railway station from the early 1930's right through to the 1960's.

Many came from Glasgow on their excursions 'doon the watter' for Fish Tea's and Ice Creams. (Still on the menu today!!)

Much of the area was originally part of the Kelly estate owned from the 15th century by the Bannatyne family. Today on the old site of Kelly Castle (burnt down in 1740) a caravan park is sited.

Dr. David Livingstone was a regular visitor to the Kelly Estate in Wemyss Bay in the mid 1800's as guest and personal friend to Dr. Young, a scientist, entrepreneur and benefactor of Livingstone's.

On hearing of Livingstone's death, Dr. Young arranged permanent employment on the estate for two of the explorer's native servants, Susi and Chuma. These two later recreated Dr. Livingstone's Hut in Wemyss Bay as it was near the Victoria Falls, itself becoming the major tourist attraction of its day.

H.M. Stanley, commissioned to find Dr. Livingstone and who on doing so uttered the famous words, 'Dr. Livingstone I presume', was curiously also a regular visitor to Wemyss Bay as a guest of Lord Inverclyde of Castle Wemyss.

It is widely believed that much of Anthony Trollope's novel 'Barchester Towers' was written at the same Castle Wemyss, a 19th-century mansion then owned by George Burns, the first Chairman of the Cunard Steam Packet Company. It is believed that the emperor of Ethiopia Halle Selassie was a regular visitor here.

Hold the front page !!! Wemyss Bay Headlines

Activities

Golf, one of Scotland's greatest exports can be experienced at the picturesque Skelmorlie Golf Club nearby, with Routenburn and Kelburn Golf Clubs in Largs both Rothesay, Isle of Bute providing challenging courses.

Waterfront Complex, Greenock In addition the Clyde has some of the best sheltered waters in Europe and ports such as Rothesay and Tarbert are popular yachting destinations in the summer. Largs Yacht Haven frequently hosts national sailing events.

If it's keeping fit you're worried about then fear not as Largs boasts the National Sports Centre at Inverclyde and the Waterfront Complex at Greenock offers indoor Ice Skating and a Wave Pool.

Whether John Wayne or Calamity Jane, Wemyss Bay has its own Riding School located near the caravan park. For further information telephone 01475 529477.

Also nearby is a recently opened Quad Biking centre.

Isle of Bute

Only a short ferry ride away is Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, the epitome of the traditional Scottish seaside resort.
Rothesay Harbour

Featuring a large selection of restaurants, picturesque B&B's and hotels, it is the ideal location to get away from it all.

A principal highlight of Rothesay is its medieval castle, dating back to the C13th, Victorian Toilet

complete with moat and battle scars.

Another must see are the famous Victorian Toilets by the Pier, I kid you not. Those of you that are lavvy savvy will know what I'm talking about.

Mount Stuart House, the ancestral home of the Marquess of Bute is located on the Isle of Bute, and is famous for its gardens and Italianate Chapel, it also boasts over 600 years of ancestry.

The Firth of Clyde has long been renowned for its sailing and cruising waters. In 1999, Greenock on the Clyde played host to the Tall Ships Race.