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Isle of Islay Info and Photos

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Port Wemyss

Port Wemyss is a lovely wee fishing village on the southern tip of the Rhinns of Islay and a very close neighbour of Portnahaven. The dividing line between the two villages is the burn, next to the Burnside Lodge, the local B&B in Port Wemyss.

Aerial View of Port Wemyss - Portnahaven in the background
Aerial View of Port Wemyss with Portnahaven in the background

Walter Frederick Campbell gave the village its name after the 8th Earl of Wemyss. Initially though the village was called Wemysshaven. In the old days seatrade with Northern Ireland was the main source of income for the villagers of Port Wemyss and Portnahaven. These old links still exist today. No wonder, in clear conditions you can almost “touch” the other side of the North Channel. This stretch of water can also be very treacherous given the many ships wrecked on Islay’s shores.




Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse

The Rhinns Lighthouse on Orsay island is clearly visible from the village and dominates the skyline. At night it’s a safe beacon for ships passing the channel, it’s lights are visible from 30 miles out to sea. The lighthouse is managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board and built by the famous Scottish enigneer Robert Stevenson in 1825.

Rhinns Lighthouse Islay
Rhinns Lighthouse on Orsay Island

Prior to the automation of the station in 1998 a principal lightkeeper and two assistents would carry out a period of four weeks duty at the staion. Transfer to and from the island was by helicopter from Oban, where there was a ‘shorestation’ for the keepers and their families. Prior to the use of helicopters, the transfer of the keepers, provisions and other light stores was by small boat.

Wave Watching in Port Wemyss
Wave Watching in Port Wemyss

Wave watching in Port Wemyss

During and directly after a proper winter storm with a big swell head over to Port Wemyss. On the Loch Indaal side of the village is a wee space to park your car. From here you can get up close to the huge waves crashing onto the rocks. It’s here where I took the “Face in the Waves” photo a few years back.

Related Pages

Bowmore – Port Ellen – Port Charlotte – Portnahaven – Port Wemyss – Port Askaig – Bruichladdich – Bridgend – Ballygrant

Seaside of Port Wemyss

Port wemyss has a beautiful and picturesque seaside and there are very well maintained gardens opposite the road. In lovely weather it’s a joy to walk around this village. Also the path of the Fisherman, following the shoreline, is very rewarding. Seals often come up to observe you and there is the old harbour pier from which you can enjoy the most amazing sunsets.

Buy Port Wemyss Prints

  • Face in the Waves

    Face in the Waves

    £33.00 – £53.00
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  • Flowers Coastal Path

    Flowers Coastal Path

    £28.00 – £48.00
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  • Port Wemyss Rainbow

    Port Wemyss Rainbow

    £28.00 – £48.00
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A Personal Note

This website is not an (un)official Islay Tourism initiative in any way. It’s a place where I write about my own personal experiences, trips, walks, meetings and share some articles for which I’ve been given permission personally to publish them.

The photos are all taken by myself and can be purchased either by making an enquiry directly to me or by visiting the Islay Prints section Here

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