Arran, Lamlash Bay

The ruinous remains of a substantial harbour are located in the inter-tidal zone on the NW side of Lamlash Bay. The harbour, represented by a massive rubble spread, is roughly square on plan and measures about 100m across within the rubble spread. What may be a quay extends to the SW.

The construction of this harbour was funded by Anne Hamilton (1631-1716), 3rd Duchess of Hamilton, in the late 17th or early 18th century (Aiton 1816, 57; Paterson 1834, 140). It is mentioned as a ‘fine harbour’ in the 18th century (Stat. Acct. 580-1), but it had been destroyed by the middle of the 19th century: ‘There was at one time an excellent quay at Lamlash, fit to admit vessels of every size in all states of the tide. It was built in the time of the Duchess Ann of Hamilton, who planned it on such a scale, that though the wages of masons were then only 8d and those of labourers 4d per day, and the materials from which it was built quite at hand, the work cost L 2913. By a gross piece of mismanagement, this admirable quay was some thirty or forty years ago allowed to be used as a quarry...” (New Stat Acct 1840, 33).

Information from RCAHMS (GFG) 31 October 2013

The location, classification and period of this site have been reviewed.

HES Survey and Recording 29 October 2018