STC2-001
It’s been said that since 1460, there’s been a hostelry on the site of the present building. According to CANMORE during the 15th century a chapel was founded by Duncan Campbell of Loch Awe and next to the Chapel was a holy well. Pilgrims and travellers would have shelter and accommodation provided by the nearby hostelry. The chapel seems to have been abandoned during the early 17th Century and fell into disrepair and ruin.
The inn was rebuilt in 1756 as a coaching inn which would benefit from the general improvement of communications throughout Scotland during the 18th century. There are remains of an 82m pier, to the NW of the hotel, built to a Thomas Telford design in 1812-1820 (RCAHMS). Travellers could cross Loch Fyne by ferry from Inveraray to St Catherines then continue on their journey to places like Kilmun, Lochgoilhead, Cairndow and Glencroe.
In 1756 a quarry opened to the south of the inn and stone quarried at St Catherines was used at Inveraray Castle. Up to fifty quarry men were employed and the Hotel would have been at the centre of all this activity. The quarry was occasionally worked in the 19th century but there were no new workings after 1849 (RCAHMS)
STC2-002
Owners of St Catherines Hotel
Duke of Argyll
1947 – 1973 Duncan Munro
1973 – 1983/4 Marlborough
1983/4 – 1985/6 Willie Allan
1985/6 – 1989/90 Robert Somerville
1991-2002/3 Janet and John Rodger, Noel and Sheena Dowse
Managers/Hotel Keepers
1861 Census John Campbell Innkeeper
1871 Census James MacDonald Innkeeper
1881 Census Donald Sutherland
1891 Census Donald Sutherland
1900 Census John McIntyre
1907 – 1911 Allan MacDonald
Around 1928/35 Jim MacDonald
1973 Louis and May Lawrie
Irene, George and Ness
2 replies on “St Catherines”
My great Grandmother Susan Nicol nee McKay died in Cottage hospital Dunoon 10 July 1917 but her usual residence is shown as St Catherines and her husband, James Nicol is shown (as what is hard to read ) Innkeeper or Gate keeper. Can you shed any light on them? I will be in the area 3-8 September.
In 1984/85 ish till when I am not sure, I had an aunty & uncle who “allegedly” owned this, must say that was there words but they wer a bit like that,I highly suspect possibly managed it, i had been there over a holiday period… maybe one Will recall them. Mary Mason & Graham Mason. daughter Coreen. ?