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This southern Argyll resort village lies on the edge of the Cowall peninsula and faces the Bute Island in the southwestern area of Scotland. Early Irish peoples began the Scottish nation in this part of the country in 500 AD as the Kingdom of Dalriada. The Gaelic language also originated here and in 563 AD, St. Columba brought Christianity to these early settlers. During these initial years, the Scots fought the Vikings for the territory. Scotsman, Kenneth I, became king of the region in 843 AD. Three clans dominated the peninsula, the Congalls, from whom many believe the peninsula adopted its name, the Campbells and the Lamonts.
Robert the Bruce awarded the land to his nephew, Colin Campbell, in the first quarter of the 1300s. The Lamonts sided with Edward I and fought against Robert in attempts at gaining possession of the territory. They eventually conquered the Dunoon Castle. The Campbell Clan regained the castle and the lands, but feuds between clans lasted for centuries. The violent nature of the people also often created turmoil within the clans themselves. Though the Lamont Clan grew strong, the family only owned a moderate amount of territory. The Campbell family became the dominant clan and the major landowners. Wealthy Glascow merchants discovered the beauty of Tighnabruaich and the region in the 1800s.
Many of the wealthy class built homes here, for recreation purposes or as permanent residences. They constructed a marina. Entering and exiting the village in those early days required commuting back and forth by steam ship.
Activities and Attractions
The remote and secluded location has white, sandy beaches, popular for relaxing or taking tranquil walks. The area has miles and miles of paths and trails frequently used by cyclists and walkers. The beachfront properties lie on the lowest elevation of the peninsula. The elevation steadily climbs upward, covered with evergreen and other species of trees and plant life. Sailing and water sports abound here and Tighnabruaich offers sailing courses. Inexperienced students typically learn basic skills on a small craft with a sail, commonly called a dinghy. More experienced guests have the opportunity to hone or acquire advanced skills. The location has a sailing club and a lifeboat station.
Visitors may have the opportunity of attending some of the more unusual sporting events in the country. The sport of shinty involves players on opposite teams competing for control of a small leather ball, manoeuvred by a stick. As the ball often travels at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, the activity is fast paced and requires skill and stamina. Swamp soccer is another favourite local sport. The activity combines traditional soccer played in bogs or marshlands. For a taste of local culture and artistic talent, visitors stroll to the Tighnabruaich Gallery. The facilty features artwork by numerous local artists, covering a variety of genres that include paintings, photographs and sculpture, along with jewellery and textiles.
Enjoy the hidden beauty of the peninsula by travelling northeast to the Benmore Botanic Gardens. Nestled in a bowl surrounded by mountains, the gardens encompass over 120 acres (48 hectares) and clmb the slopes of Benmore Hill. The Benmore estate began the unusual gardens in the mid 1800s. The site follows the natural lay of the land and features paths ranging from easy to difficult. The location contains plants and trees obtained from all over the world. Walk through an avenue of massive redwood trees and see giant rhododendrons growing along the slopes. One area of the garden represents a typical tropical rainforest. Around the Benmore home, visitors encounter a traditional formal garden.
Places to Stay and Dining
Tighnabruaich lodging choices include majestic Victorian mansions surrounded by lush evergreens. The facilities traditionally provide a home away from home atmosphere that includes the sleeping quarters, game rooms and elegant dining rooms. Enjoy a hot beverage or a Scotch whiskey in the sitting room overlooking the marina.
Many of Portavadie’s menu options depend on the catch or hunt of the day. Seafood meals include fresh trout or salmon, while meatier choices include freshly butchered beef or venison. The facility offers fast food favourites that include burgers or fish and chips, but pasta and meat pies are also available.
Accommodation in Tighnabruaich
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