WEST COAST MEMORIES
Changing scenes of Ardrishaig
IN THIS edition we continue a remarkable series of vintage photographs taken around Scotland’s west coast.
Passed to the Argyllshire Advertiser by one of our readers, they were taken by photographer George Gray of Stonehouse in Lanarkshire between 1880 and 1910.
The photographs are understood never to have been seen in public before and we are grateful to be granted access to this precious collection from a bygone era.
Look out for more photographs from George Gray’s collection in future editions of your Argyllshire Advertiser.
OVERLOOKING Ardrishaig from a height, George Gray captured a more open and manicured area than can been seen today.
It is difficult to see where the original photo was taken from - never mind reach it - due to overgrown trees and new buildings but we have tried to recapture this scene.
Standing on Darroch Road looking across Loch Gilp, Lingerton Recycling Centre and the occasional vehicle on the A83 are what catch the eye these days. And obscured by trees is what once appeared to be a well used pier.
Does anyone know what is lined up along the wall of the pier in the original photo?
The old school on Oakfield Road is much the same, identifiable on the left hand side by its bell and chimney pots. But what was open land in front of it is now the Macmillan Court flats and car park.
An increase in housing on Brae Road has left the view of Ardrishaig Parish Church more obscured, but if you could see it fully you would notice the addition of transepts to the church since George’s photo was taken.
Though more than 100 years old, the scene is still recognisable as Ardrishaig.
The familiarity is helped by prominent landmarks, such as the pier and church, that have witnessed much change in Ardrishaig over the years but remained mostly unchanged themselves.
If you have any old photos lying around at home, we would love to publish them.