History

Of Wemyss Bay Station

The present station and pier were built just over 100 years ago, in 1903, by the Caledonian Railway Company, doubling the number of platforms and steamer berths of the previous structures. The architect, James Miller, and Donald Matheson, Chief Engineer of the Railway Company, were the men responsible for its design. An Edwardian masterpiece, it was the last of the Clyde railway piers to be built, and now the only one remaining. It well deserves it Grade-A architectural listing, with its sinuous, graceful curves, and elegant glass canopies, still protecting passengers coming off the trains and heading down for the boat connection to Rothesay on the beautiful Isle of Bute.

Then it catered for crowds of holidaymakers escaping from the grime of industrial Glasgow by having a day 'doon the watter'. Now the visitors are fewer in number, but the affection for the sail to Rothesay continues.

We are delighted to have available already our first publication about the history of the station - 'Creating an Edwardian Masterpiece : the Caledonian Railway's Wemyss Bay Station' by Jim MacIntosh. This is available from the Station Bookshop (£5) or by post from The Station Bookshop, please use order form on the "Bookshop" page
Cost: £6, including p+p (UK); £7.50 (overseas)

Visit the Caledonian Railway Association's website