Glen Caladh Harbour

Winch on quay, with Eilean Dubh island behind, 2000

Winch on quay, with
Eilean Dubh island behind
© Elliot Simpson

Glen Caladh Harbour, or simply Caladh Harbour, lies in the Kyles of Bute, to the north of the Isle of Bute. The harbour is sheltered by the small island of Eilean Dubh (Black Island).

During World War II, the harbour was used for landing craft training, and was part of HMS James Cook, The Beach Pilotage School then established in Glen Caladh Castle, which overlooked the harbour. The harbour was also used by the X-Craft, which were based nearby at HMS Varbel in Port Bannatyne, and trained in the same area.

Remains at the site are reported to include the quay, slipway, winch, two engine rooms, and a number of hut bases.

Caladh Beacon

Quay with beacon in distance
© Elliot Simpson

Glen Caladh Harbour is the location of Caladh Beacon or lighthouse, which lies on the west side of the entrance to Loch Riddon, about 2.5 miles (4 km) north east of Tighnabruaich, and facing the Isle of Bute. The tower is a masonry structure about 26 feet (8 m) high, with a window at the top, which would once have housed the light. Now inactive, the beacon's white painted tower provides a highly visible daytime landmark.