Ferry House, Kerrera

Ferry House is a mid-18th century former change house or ferry house located on the hillside above the pier for the Gallanach (Oban) to Kerrera ferry crossing. This traditional stone building features some 19th century alterations. It has a rectangular plan and is one and a half storeys tall, with two single-storey outhouses attached to the north gable end. The exterior is harled, topped with a slated roof and two gable-end chimney stacks. The front elevation faces east and has three bays, with an off-centre door on the right. Two dormer windows on the outer sides break the eaves line, while a small central window is positioned against the eaves. The rear elevation faces west and includes small central windows on both the ground and upper floors, along with a larger window to the left of centre.

The adjoining outbuildings include a former milk house, which has a slate roof, and a possible former brewhouse, both featuring doorways on their rear elevations.

Inside the ferry house, the interior is plain, characterized by low coombed ceilings on the upper floor.

Historically, archival records indicate that the building was purpose-built in 1748 as a ferry house to replace older, single-storey thatched structures on or near this site. It was owned by the MacDougalls of Dunollie and served as accommodation for the ferry man as well as an inn for passengers traveling between Kerrera and the mainland. By 1779, the building included a public house, kitchen, barn, byre, and kiln. Alterations, such as the enlargement of two upper front windows, likely occurred in the 1840s, coinciding with other improvements on the Dunollie estate under Admiral John MacDougall.

The building is depicted on the 1870 Ordnance Survey map, showing several detached ancillary structures that are no longer present, along with the associated road and pier or slipway. In the 20th century, the ferry house also functioned as a post office. It remained in use as dedicated accommodation for a ferry man until 2022.