David Napier by David Napier and David Bell: Note 17
17. GLENSHELLISH
Mr. Napier's first purchase in Argyleshire was the estate of Glenshellish, situated near the north end of Loch Eck, and about four and a half miles from Strachur, on Loch Fyne. It contained about two thousand acres of arable and grazing ground, and was purchased by Napier in 1826 for the sum of eight thousand two hundred pounds. He expended about four thousand pounds additional in building the mansion-house, and in various improvements. The house is still in use, and is described as "an exceptionally good residence, occupying a fine situation." This was Napier's summer resort, and for some years he kept the farm lands under his own management. When he removed to London the estate was leased at a moderate rental, the lease including "the right of salmon fishing on Loch Eck and liberty to shoot game." Ultimately he offered the property to his tenant for twelve thousand pounds, but this not being accepted, it remained in his possession till his death, and was disposed of by his trustees in 1870. Napier's residence here, and his steamboat operations on Loch Eck, are recalled by four well-made paddle rings which still remain on the farm, having been turned to account as farmyard "stack stools". They are over nine feet in diameter, the arms tapered, and the centres adapted for a shaft of six and a half inches square.
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