Hotel History

The Pierhouse began its life in the 19th century as the residence of the Port Appin Pier Master. The pier was built to service the steamboats that travelled up and down Loch Linnhe, and they would stop off en-route between Oban and Fort William with passengers and cargo.

The Pier Master was responsible for overseeing the cargo and passenger traffic that was waiting to board the steamboats. The cargo would be loaded on to trolleys under the covered area between the two original buildings (now The Ferry Bar) and then rolled on to the pier for loading.

As the West Highland road and railway infrastructures became more efficient, the steamboat trade all but disappeared and the Pierhouse was sold and became a private house.

The Lismore ferry continued to service the communities of the Isle of Lismore and Port Appin, initially as a rowing boat service but later as a motorised boat. The Lismore ferry is still in operation as a passenger service and runs a regular passage to the island of Lismore.

This historic property was only granted a liquor license some 30 years ago and now hosts a lively, comfortable bar which boasts a spectacular panoramic outlook over the shore and inner Hebridean islands. The Pierhouse Hotel proper came into being when the purpose built hotel wing was added in 1992, enhancing the already growing reputation for warm highland hospitality. The demand for fresh seafood led to the restaurant extension in 1997 and in 2010 the interior was further reworked to create the Lismore dining room to meet the growing demand for the award winning dining experience at The Pierhouse.