Wemyss Bay Station

I have always wanted to visit Wemyss Bay Station and finally got there last year.

The station is much more than just a transport hub – with it’s amazing sweeping glass roof and ornate ironwork, you really feel like you are stepping back in to a bygone era.

This beautiful building dating back to the turn of the 20th century has been lovingly preserved, retaining all its original character and charm.

The railway line to Wemyss Bay from Glasgow was built in 1865 and was primarily designed to link with the Clyde Steamers at the pier – the Isle of Bute having been a popular destination since Victorian times.

The current station building was designed by Scottish Architect James Miller and opened in 1903 and was designed to link the trains from Glasgow with the ferries to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute (integrated transport planning 100 years ago) – it is famous for it’s architectural qualities and is a Category A listed building.

The route was popular throughout the 20th Century with Glaswegians flocking to the Isle of Bute for their holidays but with time the station started to suffer from neglect and was in serious need of some TLC.

Over the last 15 years the station has been restored to it’s former glory – the floral displays have been restored as have the Victorian toilets, there’s a lovely book shop and a lively little bar (closed when I was there unfortunately).

The station has wone numerous awards, was recognized as one of the Top 100 Stations in Britain recently and won the World Cup of Stations in 2023.

Mine was only a brief visit this time but I want to go back again soon – get the train from Glasgow and the ferry to Bute – for the full experience.