Ardrissaig, Argyleshire
Historical Description
ARDRISSAIG, a village, in the parish of SOUTH KNAPDALE, county of ARGYLL; containing about 400 inhabitants. This village, which is situated at the harbour of Ardrissaig in Loch Gilp, has sprung up since the commencement of the Crinan canal, in 1793, and is of respectable appearance. It is the scene of much bustle and traffic, occasioned by the convenience of its harbour, at the opening of the canal into Loch Gilp. Exclusive of the business in goods and passengers connected with the canal, it is computed that about 24,000 persons are landed and taken ou board annually, besides large numbers of sheep and cattle, by the Glasgow steam-vessels, three of which in summer, and one in winter, arrive here daily. In the harbour is a slip and steam-boat pier, erected in 1837, at an expense of more than £1000; and independently of the boats belonging to the parish, forty or fifty in number, many others, making together above 100, are frequently in the harbour in the fishing season, herrings being taken in Loch Fine (of which Loch Gilp is a branch) in very large numbers. In her visit to Scotland in 1847, Her Majesty and the royal party landed at Ardrissaig in the month of August, and proceeded along the Crinan canal in a barge which had been prepared for their reception, rejoining the royal squadron at the other extremity of the canal. Her Majesty also returned to England by way of the Crinan line of navigation, in the month of September. The revenue of the canal is scarcely sufficient to defray the cost of maintaining it. One of the parochial schools is established here.