BOWMORE, a village and sea-port (small), in the
parish of Kilarrow, district of Islay, county of Argyll,
IQi 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
of Bowmore 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 coastingtrade,
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, where steam-boats from
various places touch in their passage.