Kilmacolm
from Renfrewshire VII.NW revised 1911: Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
The name Kilmacolm originates from the Gaelic 'Cille-mo-Choluim' - a Cell or Church of the holyman Columba. Legend has it that St Mungo met with St Columba near the Gillburn where a cell was established under the jurisdiction of Paisley Abbey. The location of the current Old Kirk building is on the site of this meeting.
The country area around Kilmacolm is ideal countryside for walking and there are many pleasant undemanding walks in and around the surroundings.
The Old Kirk
The village was first settled in prehistoric times and continued to develop as a small village supporting the farming communities.
In the middle ages Kilmacolm was part of a feudal society, the parish being divided between two estates, based at Duchal Castle and Finlayston House. Duchal Castle, now a ruin on the outskirts of Kilmacolm, was involved in a siege by King James IV of Scotland in 1489. According to accounts, the inhabitants of the castle surrendered on seeing the famous cannon Mons Meg being rolled into position.
The Cargill Centre
The village is situated in the Gryfe valley seven and half miles south east of Greenock and about fifteen miles west of Glasgow.
The main centre has shops providing daily essentials. The Cargill Centre, a community centre on the site of the former Primary School, was opened 10 years ago and the village is also host to churches of several denominations, a local authority primary school and an independent primary and secondary school.
Hill of Stake from the cycle path
The arrival of the railway in 1869 began development of the modern village which expanded as travelling to and from Glasgow on a daily basis became easier. Wealthy Glasgow businessmen built villas and families moved from the city because of the good country air.
The railway closed in 1983 but there are bus services to and from Port Glasgow, Johnstone and Glasgow. The track is part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route.
Village Centre
Kilmacolm retains the character of its Victorian and Edwardian past with the present population around 4,000 including the residents of a number of farms.
Today the population of the village remains reasonably static. There has been an increase in building of modern housing developments and there is resistance to further building on ‘green belt’.
Further information:
Visit: Kilmacolm Heritage Gallery
Image: Windyhill, Kilmacolm
Copyright images - Colin Houston: Windyhill, The Old Kirk, The Cargill Centre, Hill of Stake