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The village lies in the middle of the county in southwestern Scotland. John Knox of Ranfurly acquired the land from James II in 1474. The first building in the area was the Gryffe Castle, originally a two-story timber structure. This evolved into a stone fortress and later a modern mansion in the 1850s, but remained in the Knox family for over 500 years.
Hugh of Montford purchases part of the land in 1619. Other wealthy barons followed suit, converting the properties into farmland. First mention of the hamlet occurred in 1707, when it was then only several cottages and a corn mill, owned by the Knox family. Settlements developed on either side of the River Gryffe.
Being along the main route between Greenock and Paisley, the landowners constructed a bridge across the river, from which the village took its name. Bridge of Weir remained a small farming community until later in the 1700s with the development of textile mills. During the peak of the cotton industry, the mills had 700 employees.
The leather industry bloomed during this time and Bridge of Weir eventually maintained three tanneries. The leather product produced in the factories gained worldwide acceptance and in later centuries, provided the upholstery for aircraft and cars. The American made luxury car, the Lincoln Continental, boasts leather interiors made from the tanneries of Bridge of Weir. Manufacturers also use the leather for clothing and furniture.
In 1878, shoe retailer William Quarrier developed the Quarrier’s Village, a self-contained community for orphaned and underprivileged children. The site had 40 cottages supervised by men and women of the church. In addition to having homes and being cared for, the children learned a trade. From the time the establishment opened and through the 1930s, the village served as home to an estimated 30,000 children. Quarrier also equipped boys on the streets with shoe polishing equipment and uniforms. He later arranged for delivery of a ship and staff that trained boys as mariners. Work continues in Bridge of Weir in Quarrier’s name, as individuals with emotional, mental or physical difficulties receive support and training.
Activities and Attractions
The community has a number of designated walking paths taking visitors around the community, along the riverbanks and into wooded areas. Paved routes enable guests to tour the countryside by bike. Venture to the Castle Semper Loch and observe the wildlife at the wildfowl sanctuary. The destination offers many different land and water-based activities. Learn archery, orienteering or map reading.
The location offers organized walks around scenic areas, or guests may find directions and maps at the visitor’s centre. Enjoy a picnic and embark on the waterway in a canoe or kayak. For a more intense physical challenge, try pedalling one of the unusual, large buoyant trikes across the river.
Stop by the historic weaver’s cottage in Kilbarchan. Constructed in the 1700s, the building is one of the last of its kind still functioning. Learn how villagers used the looms, spinning wheels and other authentic equipment to make cotton, flax, linen and woollen cloth and garments. Watch the proprietor put the looms through their paces and hear about the steps involved in the weaving process. See the array of hand made items that include the once popular shawls. The cottage also houses an assortment of typical household, trade and work tools commonly used during the era. Explore the various rooms in the cottage, modestly decorated and furnished.
Places to Stay and Dining
Lodging options include four star luxury hotels, located on the outskirts of Bridge of Weir. Situated in an affluent area, the affordable, but elegant facilities feature private landscaped gardens. Lounge on the terrace or enjoy a game of crochet on the lawn.
The Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria offers authentic Italian cuisine along with an assortment of stone baked pizzas. Feast on ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta baked in Napoli and béchamel sauce. Enjoy penne pasta tossed with grilled chicken, mushrooms, peppers and Napoli sauce.
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