NMRS Site:NR 36 NE 51 : Computer No: 79742 : Commercial/Residential/Hotel : Collection Summ : Photos 0 : Draws 0 : Ms 0 : Other 0 : Archaeology :
NMRS Site:NR 46 NW 50 : Computer No: 98107 : Type of Site : Farmstead : Collection Summ : Photos 0 : Draws 0 : Ms 0 : Other 0 : Archaeology Notes - SSE of Ballygrant Inn (Robols House). From North to South (a) A two-roomed house 6.71m x 4.27m, and 3.65m x 4.27m, with to E a rectangle 8.23m x 4.27m, but not attached. (b) To South, a long house with 1.52m platform wall at End end, and divided into rooms, 6.40m x 3.65m, 3.65m square, and 1.83m square open ended on West, all forming the South side of an enclosure 30.5m x 15.24m. (c) To South, a house with rooms 8.23m x 3.65m, and 2.74m x 3.65m. (I D Shanks 1976). |
Supplementary:
Not named in 1979 survey. Mansion and offices.
Gaelic generic term 'baile', 'bally', 'balle', 'bal', 'ballie', 'bale', 'ball', 'balla', 'ballar'. (Islay Place Names Captain F.W.L. Thomas, R.N., F.SA. Scot.1888)
When the principal link with the Scottish mainland was the drove road through Port Askaig and Jura, Ballygrant was a staging post on the journey from Killarow, Bowmore's predessor at Bridgend and, later, from Bowmore itself. Ballygrant Inn is the modern version of that 'changehouse'.
1811 Rental of Robolls House to the Islay Mining Company.
1862 Morrisons of Islay gave a lease of 42 years to John Thomas Campbell of London and William Jeffrey, a mining captain from Colbeck in Cumberland.
1869 Robolls House occupied by their manager of mining.
1876-7 Rental of Robolls House to Islay Mining Compaby £30. No 8636.
1889 John Ashplant Nicholls, manager of mines, Robolls. (Register of Voters for the County of Argyll 1889-90).
Wilson suggests that the lead mine at Robolls was discovered later and was the last working mine on Islay.
The Ballygrant Inn was formerly that of 'Robolls House', the traditional residence for the manager of the mine. (Callender and Macaulay).
According to Mr David Graham, Current Landlord, The Ballygrant Inn was built (c)1887 by a local landowner who had Knocklearach - which then became the house of the mine owner. When bought around 1964 it was almost derelict, before renovation restored it into the existing Inn.
Alexander McDonald born in 1877 and died in 1952 was the last Macdonald to live in Robolls House (Ballygrant Inn). (Letter from Jean Ramsay of 81 Arkleston Road Paisley).
"When the principal link with the Scotish mainland was the drove road through Port Askaig and Jura, Ballygrant was a staging post on the journey from Killarow, Bowmore's predessor at Bridgend and, later, from Bowmore itself. Ballygrant Inn is the modern version of that 'changehouse'.
The Ballygrant Inn is a Family run Inn, a beautiful location near to the ferry terminal at Port Askaig and within sight of the majestic Paps of Jura. Ideal situation for exploring Islay and Jura. Comfortable accommodation, cosy rooms with log burning stoves in the bar and lounge. Excellent food and friendly attractive service. PA45 7QR, Tel/Fax 01496 840277.
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