Ferry House, Ardentinny

Loch Lomond And Trossachs National Park Planning Authority

The ferry house at Ardentinny is a distinctive and notable building, despite its diminutive size. Probably dating from the early 1800s, it is a visible reminder of the importance of Ardentinny as a ferry port until the earlier 19th century. The ferry house, a small rectangular-plan rubble structure, also makes a significant contribution to the streetscape.

This ferry house appears to date to the use of Ardentinny as a ferry point, connecting with Coulport on the opposite side of Loch Long. It is thought to have been used as a waiting place for ferrymen when ferries ran on demand. The route was important in the transfer of fish and supplies from Loch Fyne to Glasgow, served by a new road from Strachur built in c.1805 (Haldane, 1962, 67).

Later, it is likely that the building was also used as a waiting room when passengers were rowed out to the steamer which ran between Lochgoilhead and Dunoon. By the time of the 1st edition OS map there is no mention of a ferry point at Ardentinny.

The ferry house is a simple rectangular-plan structure. To the road it is single-storey with a single entrance reached by two stone steps. To the seaward side there are two openings. The upper one is reached by a modern timber external stair. Below this is a low door which accesses the lower room.

The Ferry House was renovated in recent years, which involved the addition of the external stair and rooflights. At the same time the stone jetty was concreted and extended. It is presently (2004) used for storage by the Ardentinny Outdoor Centre.

Materials: stone rubble with cement pointing. Slate roof with overhanging eaves. Stone stacks with modern clay cans.