Kilchattan Bay is a small village located on the eastern side of the Isle of Bute,
approximately 2 miles from its southern most tip and alongside the coast road at
the foot of a steep hill called the Suidhe Bhlain (123m) which shields the village
from the prevailing westerly wind. It overlooks the Firth of Clyde and the islands
of Great and Little Cumbrae. The bay has a half moon form and measures about 1 1/2
miles across the mouth. The northern sandy bay being know as the Wee Bay. The village
is named after the sixth century bishop, Saint Cathan, who established a hermatage
at this location in AD 539. His nephew was Saint Blane and a Chapel was established
in his honour in the 12th century. The Chapel still exists as a ruin, two miles to
the northwest of the village. The village developed as a row of fishermens cottages.
Later developments included a quarry, stone pier and a lime kiln which can still
be seen behind St. Blane's Villa. In 1840 the Marquis of Bute established the Kilchattan
Bay Tile Works. In the 1880's it developed as a holiday resort with the building
of villas, the St Blane's Hotel and a Pier.The pier was opened in 1880. It was used
as a call on the Wemyss Bay-
