The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

john burnett · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 790 Location: Fife

I came across the following letter in July edition of Scots Magazine from
G Betty, 9 Cowden Way, Comrie, PH6 2NW. He writes-
"Id like to find the whereabout of 2 gates (he came across) during walks around woods on Ardgour Peninsula, just across from the ferry. Inscription on gates said
These gates were wrought by a French sailor and were the main gates at the Fighting Free French Naval base at Greenock during the War- 1939-1945. Upon the dismantling of the base after the terminations of hostilities, the gates were presented to Lord Inverclyde by the French Navy"

Where did they go?

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:30 am Post subject:

John

I suspect they are long gone. From your post they may have gone to Castle Wemyss but from this website that has now been redeveloped.

http://www.wemyssbay.net/about/history.html

Castle Wemyss

Mr. Charles Brown was also responsible for the building of Castle Wemyss. The estate was bought in 1860 by Mr. John Burns, later to be Lord Inverclyde, who enlarged the castle to the design of Billings. He also built a pier and designed gardens, conservatories and a tennis court. Alan, 4th Baron Inverclyde, succeeded his father in 1919.

Many notable guests are known to have been entertained at the castle including General Sherman (Commander in Chief of the United States Army), Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, in 1936 and the Royal Family who visited in 1947 for the review of the fleet.

Lord Inverclyde died in 1957 and, as there was no direct heir, the castle was sold for development to a builder. The castle fell into ruins and the land was eventually developed into a housing estate in the late 90's.

Adam