Houses and development

The coming of steamers to the Clyde made the Gareloch and Rosneath Peninsula areas more accessible. Landowners began to feu ground for house building, and it was from this period that all the communities in the area began to take shape in the form that we know them today. Thus feuing began at Clynder in 1825, Garelochhead in 1830, and Kilcreggan in 1840. All the communities were well served by good wooden piers. At first the houses were used only as summer houses, but as time went on, permanent occupation took place.

Architects and mansions

At Kilcreggan, and in particular at Cove, very wealthy people built according to their taste, and today there is a remarkable architectural heritage of Victorian mansions and castles probably the best known being Knockderry, Cove and Craigrownie Castles. Knockderry Castle is said to be built on the site of a Danish fort.

Famous architects such as Alexander "Greek" Thomson, William Leiper and John Honeyman were among those engaged. Such was the wealth and power at Cove and Kilcreggan, that a Burgh was formed in 1865, one of the smallest in Scotland, which lasted till 1975. The Burgh even had its own gas works at Barbour.

Changing patterns

As roads and vehicles developed, steamer traffic declined, and one by one the piers closed. Today, Kilcreggan Pier remains as the only traditional wooden pier on the Clyde still in daily use. The Second World War in particular opened up the area, and today many residents work at one of the local naval bases, which had their origins in the war, or commute to Glasgow and other places.

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	Houses and development The coming of steamers to the Clyde made the Gareloch and Rosneath Peninsula areas more accessible. Landowners began to feu ground for house building, and it was from this period that all the communities in the area began to take shape in the form that we know them today. Thus feuing began at Clynder in 1825, Garelochhead in 1830, and Kilcreggan in 1840. All the communities were well served by good wooden piers. At first the houses were used only as summer houses, but as time went on, permanent occupation took place. Architects and mansions At Kilcreggan, and in particular at Cove, very wealthy people built according to their taste, and today there is a remarkable architectural heritage of Victorian mansions and castles probably the best known being Knockderry, Cove and Craigrownie Castles. Knockderry Castle is said to be built on the site of a Danish fort. Famous architects such as Alexander "Greek" Thomson, William Leiper and John Honeyman were among those engaged. Such was the wealth and power at Cove and Kilcreggan, that a Burgh was formed in 1865, one of the smallest in Scotland, which lasted till 1975. The Burgh even had its own gas works at Barbour. Changing patterns As roads and vehicles developed, steamer traffic declined, and one by one the piers closed. Today, Kilcreggan Pier remains as the only traditional wooden pier on the Clyde still in daily use. The Second World War in particular opened up the area, and today many residents work at one of the local naval bases, which had their origins in the war, or commute to Glasgow and other places.