Overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Wemyss Bay is a picturesque Scottish village west of Glasgow. It was established in the early 19th century as a “marine village” and flourished following the arrival of the railway in 1865. The settlement was named after a local fisherman, Robert Wemyss.
Don’t miss the Wemyss Bay railway station, which is considered one of the most magnificent railway station buildings in the United Kingdom. Built by the Caledonian Railway, it was designed by the Scottish architect James Miller in 1903. Glass and wrought-iron curves feature prominently in its design.
Wemyss Bay serves as the departure point for ferries to the Isle of Bute, which is home to heather-blanketed moorlands and deserted beaches. In the Art Deco-style town of Rothesay, you’ll find a breezy promenade and a ruined circular castle that dates back to the early 13th century.
Getting there
Wemyss Bay is around a one-hour drive from Glasgow and 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Wemyss Bay and the village is compact enough to explore on foot. Regular ferries connect from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute.