Historic background
An unusual combination of port and estate village, of decidedly genteel character. The port remains in use for yachts; the port landscape and its constituent elements largely survive, though maisonettes have been constructed on the slate quay. The waterfront to the west preserves a number of early features e.g. sail loft and ferry landing point.
Key historic landscape characteristics
Industrial settlement (port)/estate village
The building stock is largely nineteenth-century and includes a variety of architectural style and of building materials. There is some use of non-local stone, including Aberdeen granite brought in as ballast on the ships. There is considerable use of yellow brick, as in the former station and the substantial Arvonia stores, though many structures are pebble-dashed. There are many buildings with ornamental features, such as verandas and railings.
