Tag Archives: Buildings

Wemyss Bay Railway Station

I was taking a leisurely walk along the coast from Inverkip to Wemyss Bay and as I was approaching Wemyss Bay, I picked up my pace. I remembered once seeing a photo of the Wemyss Bay station. Suddenly a leisurely walk, turned into a march because now my walk had an additional purpose.

As I approached it I remembered why I had made a mental note to see it. Look at the photos! It is marvellous. What an architectural treasure. I noticed the exterior plaque and it described the following:

An attractive and effective 1903 facility, by the Caledonian Railway, for the rapid-shipment of holiday-makers and their luggage.

The description of “rapid shipment of holiday-makers” made me laugh. Our penmanship has changed a little since the early 1900s. I quickly searched for more information:

Wemyss Bay railway station serves the village of Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde, Scotland. The station is a terminus on the Inverclyde Line, about 26 miles (42 km) west of Glasgow Central. The station incorporates the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal connecting mainland Scotland to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. [Source Wikipedia]

With so many stations having been closed down, it was good to see this historical example still in operation and I think we can all agree that it is indeed an impressive structure. However, there is also the interior.

The interior is nothing less than magnificent! My eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling with its lattice work of steel and glass.

_{Wemyss Bay Railway Station [Interior]}

It was truly mesmerising. I walked around the station ticket office and then along the platform. I slowly noticed another corridor. It was the path to the ferry terminal. I could not deny the craftmanship of design and build.

_{Wemyss Bay Station [To Ferry Terminal]}

As I searched for more information, I learned the following:

Construction of the railway began in late 1862. It was a single track to Greenock. This was to connect to Clyde steamer services for Rothesay, Largs, Millport, and Isle of Cumbrae. As mentioned above, the station was designed by James Miller in 1903 for the Caledonian Railway. In Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations by Simon Jenkins, Wemyss Bay station was one of only ten to be awarded five stars, and was the station photographed on the front cover. The station won the 2023 World Cup of Stations, organised by the Rail Delivery Group.

It was no wonder that I had made a mental note.

The entire visit and experience had a way of transporting me to another time. It was certainly worth the march and visit.

A Day Spent at the Pretty Village of Luss

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First of all, I picked a great day to visit Luss. The weather was perfect! And the ride over was lovely. I was particularly enchanted by the view of the ride to Glasgow.

On the way to Glasgow, passing Burnside

A year ago I made a short stop at Luss, It was a little peek into the village. This day trip was to spend some quality time by the water. This pretty village is located within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in the Argyll and Bute region. Specifically on the western shore of Loch Lomond.

As I hopped off the bus and passed the Loch Lomond Arms hotel, I could see the village.

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

The main street to the village is adorned with quaint pretty cottages and shops. I could not help but think that there must be a code in the village. All the cottages had well maintained flower pots and gardens. It was all picture-perfect. Not a rebel between them and hence my thought.

Luss Village Homes and Shops

I walked through the homes and shops, with one thought in mind. The water. The road led me to the primary pier, the Luss Pier. I was surprised at how busy it was. I don’t know why I was surprised as it is a popular spot but as I decided to visit on a weekday, I had assumed there would be fewer people present. I was wrong. I guess a lot of people were on holiday.

Loch Lomond at Luss Village

Loch Lomond is beautiful. I have visited the loch a few times but at different access points and each time the loch has been stunning. Today it felt like the playground for children and adults alike. I think many visitors were relatively local, mainly from Glasgow. It makes sense that this would be their summer playground. Having said that many visitors were also present from beyond that geographical scope.

Loch Lomond at Luss Village

In between short spurts of reading, I did a lot of water-watching, hill-watching and people-watching . I wondered about the history of the place which led me to look it up. I found the following:

Around 1,500 years ago, an Irish missionary, St Kessog, arrived at Loch Lomond, bringing Christianity to the area. At the time Luss was called Clachan Dhu (the dark village) because it lay in the shadow of the surrounding hills. St Kessog was martyred and his body embalmed with sweet herbs. Legend has it that the herbs grew and covered his grave, providing a new name for the village – lus is Gaelic for herb. The present church was built in 1875 but the graveyard is much older. The earliest stones date from the 7th or 8th century and includes an 11th century Viking hogback grave. Inside there’s a lovely ceiling made from Scots pine rafters and some beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows.

[From Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Website]

I found the history intriguing. I love names that have meaning. “Lus” means herb; this was my learning point of the day.

After spending time on the water, it was time to walk the woods. I wanted to learn more about the church and adjacent footpaths.

Luss Parish Church Grounds

The grounds from the water to the woods of the church grounds were lovely. A lush setting and a tranquil trail. Perfect. The burial grounds had a premium location, overlooking the loch. The church was built in 1875 and is dedicated to Saint Kessog.

It was all delightful.

Woods near Luss Village Parish Church

After a good walk, I decided that a reward was in order. Refreshments. Wine at the Loch Lomond Arms hotel on their patio. A fitting punctuation to the day.

A Walk to Pittenweem

Dean Village Rooftops

Road Trip: Arriving at Kirkcudbright Harbour

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After several stops en route (Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Castle Douglas), I made it to Kirkcudbright. An Artists Town. Delighted, I got off at the harbour where I stayed for a while. What a lovely introduction to the town.

It was very much an active harbour. People were busy working, instructing, positioning and focused. You could not help but be drawn to the buzz of the larger boats and the hum related to the effort of loading the boats. They must be used to spectators as there was nearby seating which encouraged an audience.

A walk along the harbour provided views of the marina and a nearby art gallery, The Harbour Cottage Gallery.

I soon learned that white-painted homesteads, together with a sprinkling of candy-floss-coloured buildings, were a signature of the town. It all looked very pleasing.

I took the opportunity to visit Habour Cottage Gallery. As well as enjoying the art that was on display, the windows framed a delightful view of the harbour. A lovely prospect.

After enjoying the gallery, I strolled the nearby buildings and then sat at the seats strategically positioned to entice you to take in the scenes of the harbour. They certainly designed that right.

Again, the harbour was a delightful introduction. The next day was all about exploring the town.

Road Trip: Dumfries and Castle Douglas

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I continued this road trip stopping at Dumfries and Castle Douglas. The ride through the Scottish Borders whetted my appetite for more as I made my way to my ultimate destination.

Although I stopped at Dumfries, I quickly walked the Town centre then spent most of my time at the old bridge. The Devorgilla Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Scotland. It has a presence that demands your attention. At least that is the case with me. A picturesque sight; laden with a history that easily stimulates one’s imagination.

As I imagined Dumfries past, I also kept thinking about the next leg of my journey to Castle Douglas. It was the reason I didn’t extend my walkabout of Dumfries.

I finally boarded Bus 500 to Castle Douglas, full of anticipation.

The ride did not disappoint. The scenery was breathtaking.

Rides like these are a constant reminder of how varied and beautiful Scotland is. There is something about a bus ride. I continue to be in awe of the driver’s ability to drive around a multitude of bendy roads through small villages and mountains. It is masterful and such a treat for riders like me.

Finally got to Castle Douglas which meant I was that much closer to my ultimate destination. What a pretty little town! It was marked by colourful, well-kept buildings and intriguing shops. However, I had to stay focused. I knew there was a loch nearby so while I admired my surroundings, I was determined to find the water.