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Wemyss Bay

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Wemyss Bay is a small Port Village on the west coast of Scotland, 32 miles west of Glasgow. The Village is the main gateway to the Isle of Bute, 8 miles across the Firth of Clyde to the town of Rothesay, largest Town on Bute.

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Camping & Touring Parks in area

The Island is popular for Day Visits and longer Holidays, with a number of Attractions such as historic Castles, huge gothic Mansion, and old Churches.

Car/Passenger Ferries run about 1 an hour from about 07.00 to 22.00. You wait in line and buy a ticket at the Ferry Office for the next available Ferry, no pre-bookings. Ferry crossings take about 35 minutes. The Ferries offer hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Regular Trains run between Wemyss Bay and Glasgow, taking about 50 minutes. Regular Buses also run between Wemyss Bay and Glasgow taking about 1 hour 30 mins.

The Wemyss Bay Holiday Park is on the hillside overlooking the Village & Bay.

The Railway led to wealthy Glaswegian's building Grand Houses along the Coast and commuting to work in Glasgow. The area still has a number of Grand Houses, and more recently, Apartments with sea views.

The image below is of the Train Station and Ferry Port at Wemyss Bay.

  Wemyss Bay Port image  

1850s, Steamers began traveling about 40 miles between Glasgow & Rothesay on Bute.

1865, the Railway opened between Wemyss Bay and Glasgow so Passengers could travel from Glasgow to Wemyss Bay by Train, then make the 8 mile crossing by Ferry.

1903, the Train Station was rebuilt into one of the most Scenic Small Stations in Scotland.

Although the Train / Ferry service improved travel between Glasgow and Bute, many Holiday Makers and Day Trippers continued to use the Steamers from Glasgow to Bute as they were seen as part of the Holiday, with Bars on board.

A combination of Roll on Roll off Ferries entering service, and inexpensive Package Holidays to Spain in the 1970s, led to the Steamers being withdrawn from service.

The Waverley Paddle Steamer is the only remaining Steamer that allows Day Trips in summer between Glasgow and Rothesay on Bute.

 






Wemyss Bay Main Street image
Wemyss Bay Main Street

Wemyss Bay Memorial image
Wemyss Bay Memorial

Wemyss Bay Train Station image
Wemyss Bay Train Station

Wemyss Bay Train Station Interior image
Wemyss Bay Train Station Interior

Wemyss Bay Ferry loading image
Wemyss Bay Ferry loading

Wemyss Bay Ferry image
Wemyss Bay 2nd Ferry