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The port community lies on the northern border of the county, in southwest Scotland. Originally called Newark, the hamlet consisted of a few white cottages along the shore. The handful of native residents made a living fishing. George Maxwell inherited the land and title of baron in 1478. He constructed a castle on the shores of the river Clyde, which became known as Newark Castle.
The estate passed to Sir Patrick Maxwell, an abusive man with a violent temper. Maxwell not only murdered two members of a rival clan, but also abused and beat his wife. She finally left him, fleeing across the river after bearing him 16 children. Having a large family, Maxwell increased the size of the castle in 1597, by adding a large mansion to the existing tower and gatehouse.
During the 1600s, Glasgow council members contemplated a means of establishing a port with waters deep enough to handle large sailing ships. They opted on Newark and purchased land from Maxwell to build the breakwater and harbour. The new site acquired the name Port Glasgow. By 1693, the layout for the streets of the new community was complete.
In 1697, the last Maxwell family member passed away and a wealthy non-local individual purchased the estate. The harbour commonly docked French trading vessels delivering brandy, wine and salt, along with timber and tobacco. In 1767, the castle owner decided to introduce a produce industry to Port Glasgow.
The castle land along the fore shore proved fertile and soon had a walled garden. Plum trees grew along the walled garden. Soon other landowners developed gardens and the produce sold locally and in Glasgow. The industry achieved success. A shipbuilding industry emerged, using some of the shoreline by the castle. Rope and sail making companies followed. Port Glasgow had a glassworks company in 1830 and railway service in 1841.
The community obtained water from a series of local wells and in 1846, water contamination brought a Cholera epidemic, causing a large decrease in population. Two years later, water came from the Auchendores reservoir. Port Glasgow eventually developed a filtration system.
Activities and Attractions
One of the popular touring destinations in Port Glasgow is Newark Castle. Visitors may explore the grounds and the interior of the massive mansion. The wide wooden beam ceilings, floors and doors remain intact. Some of the rooms contain period furnishings. Hear the tales of the wicked Sir Patrick and a later owner who kept wild animals in the cellar. Explore the corridors and the cellars below. Climb the tower for fantastic views over the river and adjoining countryside. The building also contains a gift shop.
On the other side of the castle lie the remains of the ship building industry. Manufacturers here constructed the Comet, a steam powered paddle ship in 1812. A replica of the ship sits docked in the harbour.
For a day filled with exploration, visitors might travel to nearby Clyde Muirshiel Park. The vast landscape contains natural animals and plants, in addition to historic sites. Park trails readily accommodate cyclists and hikers. See the fields filled with purple rhododendrons and heather.
Boat hire facilities at Castle Semple Loch rent everything from kayaks and rowboats to paddle boats and Zorbs, large, inflated ball or tube shapes that visitors climb into and roll across land or water. Taking the path leading north into the woodlands, visitors encounter the Castle Semple Collegiate Church. Constructed in 1504 by John Semphill, the structure housed a group of clergy whose job was to pray for the Semphill family.
Though without a roof, the building remains remarkably intact. Walking around the building, visitors cannot help but notice the decoratively carved stonework of the window frames. Visitors see more examples of elaborately carved stonework on the tombs and gravestones belonging to members of the Semphill family. The park also contains a campground and the opportunity to enjoy a class in land or water based activities. Land based instruction includes archery, orienteering and navigating. Water based classes include canoeing, raft building and sailing.
Places to Stay and Dining
Port Glasgow hotels include once grand country estates renovated by name brand chain companies. Guests enjoy views over the estuary and the nearby woodlands. Some facilities lie close to the local golf course and include a number of onsite activities.
Guests in the mood for fast food need look no further than the Sweden Freeze Landing located at the Port Glasgow marina yacht club building. The facility serves international favourites that include hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken fingers, along with fish and chips.
Accommodation in Port Glasgow
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