In the mid 19^th century there was an upsurge in demand for health tourism, especially cold water treatments and the first Scottish Hydropathic was at the Glenburn built in 1843.  Swanstonhill House at Port Bannatyne had been built in 1855 as a private house, but an extra wing was added and it opened as the Swanstonhill Hydropathic Establishment in June 1879 , later being renamed the Kyles of Bute Hydropathic.  The original building was badly damaged by fire in December 1909 but was rebuilt and further extensions added in 1911.  When hydropathics lost their popularity the Kyles Hydro became a luxury hotel, being a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations.  During World War 2 the building served as the headquarters for the training of midget submariners and was renamed HMS Varbel.  Although reopened as a hotel after the war the popularity of foreign package holidays increased and the Hydro closed in the 1970s and was demolished in 1981. (P03-0788, A4.1)