Bowmore

   BOWMORE, a village and small sea-port, in the parish of Kilarrow, district of Islay, county of Argyll, 10½ miles (S. S. W.) from Port-Askaig. This place is situated on the eastern shore of Loch Indal. The village was first commenced in 1768, and consists of several well-formed and regular streets, intersecting each other at right angles, of which the principal, a spacious street, leads from the quay, by a gradual ascent, to the church; and another, crossing this at right angles, terminates at the parochial school. The houses are generally neatly built, though in some of the smaller streets are many of inferior appearance. Since its commencement, the village has rapidly increased in extent and population, and it is now the seat of the presbytery of Islay and Jura; a neat building, containing a spacious assembly-room, has been erected, to which is attached a room for the temporary confinement of petty offenders. The environs are pleasant, and derive much interest from the grounds of Islay House. A very extensive distillery of whisky is carried on here; and there are several vessels belonging to the port, employed in the coasting trade, which is considerable. The harbour is commodious, and accessible to the quay, for vessels drawing eight or nine feet water, at ordinary tides; the quay, which was constructed by Mr. Campbell, is substantial, and well adapted to the purpose. A post-office, with a daily delivery, has been established; and facility of communication is afforded by a good road to Port-Askaig, on the Sound of Jura.