Skelmorlie

The village of Skelmorlie in Ayrshire, Scotland has a recorded history that dates back to the 15^th century, evidenced by Skelmorlie Castle that lies just south of the village. The tower house was built in 1502 on the site where an older structure stood. This is the ancient seat of the Clan Montgomery and visitors can go on to discover the burial tomb of the family at Skelmorlie Aisle, the remains of a church in the town of Largs. The popularity of tea was a key contributor to the growth and development of Skelmorlie and by the 19^th century, the village was home to many Glasgow tea barons. A disaster struck Skelmorlie on Saturday, 18^th April 1925 when an embankment belonging to the Eglinton Estate gave way. Millions of gallons of water washed through the village and within just 10 minutes, five lives were lost, including four children. Homes, streets and gardens too were shattered.

Skelmorlie is spread over two areas, Lower and Upper Skelmorlie, sharing though the character of this part of the Clyde foreshore, where deep, red sandstone is the most visible feature. The village is separated from Wemyss Bay by the Kelly Burn, which goes on to join the Firth of Clyde to the south of the Rothesay ferry terminal.  Within the area are ample amenities as the neighbouring towns and villages are within easy reach, as are a host of natural and historic attractions. Settlement in the area goes back much further than documented history and this area is a place of many archaeological discoveries. To the south of the village, near Skelmorlie Castle, is a prehistoric serpent mound that is thought to perhaps be druidic and may have served a religious purpose.  This 100 foot high artificial mound is said to have been the site of Sun and serpent worship and was discovered by Dr. Phenè whose excavations revealed a paved platform; shaped like a segment of a circle, along with many bones and charcoal.