: Comments on Port Bannatyne

26 June 2009:
Port Bannatyne has lost its herring industry, and today fishes for the European Marine Crayfish or Langoustines which are collected by trucks and transported live to France, Spain and beyond. The old fishermen's stone pier has been joined by a longer stonewall construction protecting the new yacht marina, which together with the two boatyards in the village provides a new role as a yachting centre. http://portbannatynemarina.co.uk

Behind the village, with exception views in all directions, is Port Bannatyne Golf Course, an ancient 13 hole green and club house where gear may be hired. http://portbannatynegolf.co.uk On the seafront close to the marina is a recreation ground with childrens play area, football pitch and a special area for playing the French game of Petanque. Th boules may be hired from the Post Office.

http://portbannatynepetanque.org.uk

The Post Office itself occupies the stone-built terrace that lines the seafront of Port Bannatyne. It has a secondary role as the village shop, and there are two pubs and The Port Royal Hotel.

The hotel was bought by a Russian family in 2000 and been transformed into a Russian Tavern with a high reputation for seafood and East European cuisine. They have four guestrooms.

http://www.butehotel.com

To the north of the village lies Kames Castle a fine 14th Century fortification on older ruins, and period cottages in the estate which are let as holiday homes. The walled gardens are notable. http://www.kamescastlecottages.co.uk

Guides, reviews, articles and photo collections relating to Port Bannatyne on The Isle of Bute in Argyll may be seen on:

http://delicious.com/RogerMortimer
- Marius Van Rijn, London, England