Old Pier House has been part of the Parker-MacKenzie family for over forty years, with accommodation both in the house and in three log cabins. The history of its land and property goes way back before our house was here, and a timeline of its varied life, from medieval kilns to railways, is illustrated below.
Old Pier House is now managed by the third generation, Ossian (known as Osh) along with his wife Ash.
“A Medieval Site
A Medieval kiln used by the Monks of Fort Augustus is situated on the land.
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“The Pier
Works begin on a railway line designed to connect passengers of the West Highland Line with a paddle steamer ferry service to Inverness. A track runs along what is now our road, and a pier is built for the paddle steamer.”
“Closure
The Pier station closes and the land is abandoned.”
“The Animals
Several cows, dogs, and horses join the family. A riding school is opened.”
“The Fortress
A castle stands on Cherry Island, located on Loch Ness. A gangway is built to the bay at the Old Pier, and a village is built.”
“The Railway
The railway line opens and a small cottage is built to accommodate the station master. ”
“The MacKenzies
The MacKenzie family move in. The road is cleared and the station-master’s cottage is renovated into a family home”
“Cabins
A small log cabin is built on site, and we welcome our first tourists to the Old Pier. ”
“Today
The third generation of the family continues to welcome guests to the Old Pier.
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