Wemyss Bay is a small village on the Firth of Clyde and is the departure point for ferries to the Isle of Bute.
The history of Wemyss Bay (pronounced ‘weems’) can be traced back to the 15th century, but it was in the late 19th century that Wemyss Bay grew in popularity following the creation of the rail connection to Glasgow and the regular steamer service to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The name of the village can be traced back to connections with the Clan Wemyss.
Wemyss Bay Station is regarded as one of the finest railway buildings in Scotland. It is a wrought-iron and glass palace that serves as a reminder of the glory days when thousands of Glaswegians would alight for their steamer trip ‘doon the watter’ (down the water) to Bute. The village still serves as the port for ferries to the Isle of Bute, and you can still arrive at Wemyss Bay by train and catch the CalMac ferry to Rothesay. The village is accessible by car but parking is scarce. The town has a selection of local shops and places to eat, and there are opportunities to go sailing in the bay.
