Inchmarnock is a 660 acre island (some 4km x 1km) just over 2kms off the west coast of the Isle of Bute and with views across to the Mull of Kintyre, Arran and Loch Fyne, some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast of Scotland The History of Inchmarnock Island The island has a long and rich history. At peak in recent times it supported a population of 41 and there are three ruined farms. Not only did Inchmarnock produce several excellent crops, including potatoes and barley but there was a thriving shell fish industry and even a busy slate quarry which ceased working in the 19th Century.

In the 7th Century it was a well known ecclesiastical centre. St Marnock, after whom the island is named, was among the early Christians who brought Christianity from Ireland to Scotland. The remains of a medieval church (built on the site of the original 7th Century St Marnock’s chapel) are visible to this day. These, and earlier evidence of life dating back to 3500 BC have been researched by Headland Archaeology Ltd www.headlandarchaeology.com who in 2006 will publish a complete history of the island. This work which has been commissioned by Sir Robert Smith, who acquired Inchmarnock in 1999, will place special emphasis on the early Christian and medieval periods where finds over the last five years have been of immense archaeological and historical significance.