SHISKINE HISTORY

Shiskine takes its name from a corruption of the Gaelic meaning a marshy place as in early times much of the valley was swampland, and is actually composed of several districts – Balmichael, Shedock, Feorline, Kilpatrick, Blackwaterfoot and Torbeg. The main centres of population today are Shiskine and Blackwaterfoot.

Thanks to tourism Blackwaterfoot has expanded over the last hundred years, but until the 1930’s it was the inland village of Shedog that was the hub of industry. Within an area of approximately half a mile there was a church, a school, a dressmaker, a public hall, a police station, a tailor, two joiners, a library, a saddler, two shops, a smiddy, a transport depot, a post office, a meal mill, a public house, a hotel, a doctor and Balnacoole and Shedog, two of the largest farms on Arran. After the First Word War these farms were divided into small holdings for the returning servicemen.

Blackwaterfoot was originally the hamlet that clustered round the harbour and was the port for Shiskine. It was dominated by a stupendous cairn, which by the mid 1880’s had almost disappeared, the stones being used for houses and dykes. The area was excavated around 1900 and a cist grave containing a bronze dagger decorated with gold was found. In 1896, as Blackwaterfoot developed as a tourist centre, the Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club, came into being when its unique 12 hole golf course was laid out at Drumadoon. The club has gone from strength to strength and in 2001 the tennis courts were upgraded with new surfacing and floodlights.

That Shiskine is a vibrant community is shown by the work done by the Shiskine Valley Trust, which was formed in the 1990’s . The Trust aims to develop community projects. That it succeeds in it aims was proven by the opening of the Blackwaterfoot Playing Field in 2000. The Shiskine Village Hall at Torbeg was once the United Free Church. It is a much used venue for playgroups, ceilidhs, dances , auctions and anything else the community at Shiskine can think of!

The beach at Blackwaterfoot must be mentioned. Stretching for sandy miles below the golf course at Drumadoon, it draws people from all over the island whatever the weather or season…and of course, the sunsets can be spectacular. This coast offers walks along to the King’s Cave, allegedly the hiding place of Robert the Bruce, and atop the towering cliffs of Doon, the remains of an ancient fort and sanctuary. So much to see, to do and to wonder at.

Jean Glen

NB: Much much more of the history of the Shiskine area can be learned from the excellent book “The History of the Villages of the Isle of Arran” by the S.W.R.I. Arran Federation. The latest revised edition is available from a number of local outlets.