Port Charlotte, Islay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Charlotte
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 Looking south towards Port Charlotte |
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 Port Charlotte
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| Population | 350 (1991) |
| OS grid reference | NR252581 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF ISLAY |
| Postcode district | PA48 |
| Dialling code | 01496 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Port Charlotte is a charming village located on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Its name in Scottish Gaelic is Port Sgioba. The village was established in 1828 and had about 350 people living there in 1991.
Port Charlotte is known for its beautiful white-painted houses. These homes are built right on the shores of Loch Indaal, making the village very picturesque. It's a great place to visit if you want to explore the history and nature of Islay.
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History of Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte was founded in 1828 by Walter Frederick Campbell. He named the village after his mother, Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury. The main reason for creating the village was to provide homes for the people working at the Lochindaal Distillery.
The building of the village started with an important event. On September 24, 1828, the first stone of the pier (a dock for boats) was laid. About 4,000 of Walter Frederick Campbell's tenants attended a big celebration for this occasion.
By 1833, a chapel was being built in the village. It was already in use, even though it wasn't fully finished yet. Later, in 1846, a new quay (another type of dock) was planned. This quay was finished by 1848 and helped ships bring goods to and from the village.
The Old Distillery Buildings
The Lochindaal Distillery, which was so important to the village's founding, is no longer making spirits. However, parts of its old buildings are still in use today. Some sections have been turned into a Youth Hostel and a Wildlife Centre. This means young travelers and nature lovers can stay there. Other parts of the old distillery are used by a nearby garage.
The remaining large storage buildings, called warehouses, are now owned by the Bruichladdich distillery. They use these warehouses to age their special "Port Charlotte" whisky. This whisky is named after the village and the original distillery as a tribute.
A Surprising Attack
In October 1813, something unexpected happened in Port Charlotte. An American privateer named The True Blooded Yankee attacked the village. A privateer was a private ship allowed by a government to attack enemy ships during wartime. This ship captured six merchant ships that were docked at Port Charlotte. The privateer then set three of the ships on fire and let the others drift away.
What to See in Port Charlotte
One of the main attractions in Port Charlotte is the Museum of Islay Life. This museum is located in a former Church building. It's a fantastic place to learn all about the history, culture, and daily life of the people on Islay. You can see old tools, clothing, and other items that tell the story of the island.
