Rothesay and Bute area information

The Isle of Bute lies in the Firth of Clyde, squeezed in between the landmass of Ayrshire in the East and the magnificent sea lochs of southern Argyll. It stretches about 15 miles from the most northern point near Rhubodach to its southern end, and approximately 4 miles wide. The island is rather flat, with Windy Hill (278m) being its highest elevation. The main town is Rothesay on the eastern shore of the island.



Its proximity to the population centres of Glasgow and Greenock made the island a traditional popular sea side destination for day or weekend trips. So it comes as no surprise that many of the steamers on the river Clyde called at Rothesay port, and during the summer season the town was usually bustling with tourists coming “doon the watter” for some relaxation and fun. Today the Paddle Steamer Waverley is the only traditional vessel sailing the Firth, but its popularity is unbroken.

The human history of the Isle of Bute started about 5500 years ago, when first settlers arrived at the island. Evidence of those early inhabitants can still be found on many places, e.g. the Standing Stones at St. Ninians Bay or the vitrified fort at Dunagoil Bay. Over the next centuries the isle became home to the Scottish kings of Stuart, who in around 1200 built Rothesay Castle as their main residence.

Later the family moved several miles south and build the beautiful Mount Stuart House and Gardens on a magnificent 300 acre estate. A huge fire in 1877 partly destroyed the original houses, but they were completely rebuilt and restored to former glory. Both house and gardens are open to the public (details at www.mountstuart.com).

The peace and tranquillity of the island makes it a popular choice as a celebrity refuge, recent famous inhabitants include Actor and film director Lord Attenborough, actor Edmund Kean and Child Star Lena Zavaroni. (www.isle-of-bute.com)