History

The pier is the pearl of a great town.  Situated at the northern end of Loch Fyne the Royal Burgh of Inveraray overlooks the Loch with its deep waters and sheltered bays. Established in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, the town is an absolute set piece of Scottish Georgian architecture. Key buildings to visit include Inveraray Castle, the neo-classical church, Inveraray Jail and courthouse, now an award-winning museum that graphically recounts prison conditions from medieval times up until the 19th century. The town is a gateway to the Highlands & Islands and provides an excellent base for day touring placed within easy access south to the Mull of Kintyre; Oban on the west coast with access to the Islands; north to Glencoe and Fort William and south-east to Loch Lomond and Glasgow.

The original modest 100ft pier was originally built in 1762 for a fee of ten-and-sixpence. The extension to the pier was the towns own responsibility, history repeating itself.  It only provided anchorage for two small boats, which did not serve the booming herring fleet of 500 local boats and at least 100 others. The town applied for a grant in 1796 but since nothing in Inveraray seemed to be achieved in a hurry, was not granted until 1800 for a sum of £200, leaving the remaining £435 to be raised by the magistrates, and eventually being built in 1806. To reclaim expenses accrued, any vessel paid a burgess ticket of two and a half guineas.

The pier was extended again in 1836 at a cost of £1200 and is now a category B building.

The pier is a Category B listed building in Inveraray Argyll, Scotland. It was built on the site of an earlier fishing village in the mid 1700s by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, Chief of the powerful Clan Campbell. When the 3rd Duke of Argyll succeeded to his title in 1743, he commissioned an architect, and work began in 1745. Begun 1761. Improved and enlarged 1809. Extended 1836.

The pier was at centre of the famous Loch Fyne herring fishery in the first half of the last century, the significance of which is reflected in the herring’s presence on the town’s coat of arms. As the second world war raged, Inveraray Pier played an important role in supporting the Combined Operations training centre around town, with troopships moored offshore and the pier put to regular use. Inveraray Pier is, however, perhaps best known as the place where visitors came ashore in droves from the famous Clyde steamers for most of the 20th century for business and pleasure in the royal burgh. Adults and children fished from the pier and many a folk enjoyed a leisurely stroll along it.

For the history about the Vital Spark berthed at Inveraray Pier, please visit National Historic Ships.

Robert McCulloch, of Fynestfish Inveraray, sent this lovely photograph from the family album.

George Barker from Tarbert Argyll sent this photograph via Donald John MacDonald. This was taken in 1905. It would be lovely to see, over 100 years later, the crowds arriving at Inveraray at the pier.

This photograph sent in by Wilma Wood of the crowds heading down the pier circa 1930s.  “We hopefully will see the like again” (Wilma’s words.)

If you have any old family photos of Inveraray Pier we would be very pleased, with your permission, to display them in the history section. Dig out those old ‘photaes’ of your Granny, or Great Granny, down by the pier!  (Send a scanned image, off your printer, or a .jpg from your smart phone by email and we will include your family photo.)