It is July 1926, and the new Glen Sannox is drawing steadily towards Whiting Bay pier. The ferry is alive with excited voices, Sunday best hats, and the bustle of passengers eager to be part of a very special day: the official opening of the village’s new Public Hall.
For many on board, this is the first glimpse of the building that everyone has been talking about.
“Oh look, there it is! It’s very big,” exclaims one young lady, leaning forward as the shoreline comes into view.
“A fine-looking hall,” says another, admiring the new landmark that is about to become the heart of village life.
Along the coastline, thin trails of peat smoke drift into the blue summer sky. Earlier this year, the General Strike brought coal shortages, and Arran folk, practical as ever, returned to cutting peat. Even so, there is warmth in the air and a welcome waiting on shore.
As the ferry docks, it is clear that Whiting Bay is already busy. There is time for lunch before the ceremony, perhaps a stroll along the front, and a chance to enjoy the perfect weather before the afternoon’s celebrations begin.
Gray’s Tea Room looks full, but hopefully there will be room at Miss McKenzie’s Tea Rooms, or at Anderson’s, where visitors can gather, talk, and look forward to the day’s great event.

As passengers make their way down the long pier, music carries on the breeze. In the distance, the Boys’ Brigade band can be heard preparing to march into the village for the big occasion.

Around 350 boys are camping at Johnny Millar’s field in Largiemeanoch this week, adding to the excitement and energy of the village.

There are large numbers under canvas in the district: the Motherwell and Wishaw Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade at Largiemenoch, the 5th Glasgow Company at Glen Ashdale, the 51st Glasgow Company at Auchincairn, and scouts gathered across the area. Some of them sit on the jetty, enjoying ice cream and dangling their feet in the sea.

Meanwhile, at the new Public Hall, preparations are well under way. Doors are being opened, chairs arranged, greetings exchanged, and the village is ready to celebrate a building that will hold memories, music, meetings, dances, dramas, and community life for generations to come.

Now, 100 years later, we invite you to step back into that moment and discover the stories behind Whiting Bay, its people, and its much-loved Public Hall.

Come along to our 100 Years Exhibition and explore the history of the village and the Public Hall through photographs, memories, stories, and local voices.

CEUD MILE FAILTE AWAIT YOU (100,000 Welcomes)

Saturday 11^th    11am – 4.30pm

                              6pm – 8.30 pm

 12th                   11am – 4.30pm

 13th                   11am – 4.30pm