History - Isle of Bute. Man has occupied the Isle of Bute for over 5,500
years. When you explore the island you will find standing stones, cists
and a vitrified fort at Dunagoil Bay. It is also the ancestral home of
the Stuart Kings of Scotland whom stayed at Rothesay Castle. Bute is the
home of the acclaimed film director and actor Lord Attenborough. However,
one of Bute's most colourful 19th century characters was Shakespearean
actor Edmund Kean. He came from a humble background. Amazingly he rose
to become one of the most famous and wealthiest actors of his time. In
the 20th century Rothesay was the birthplace of a child star Lena Zavaroni.
Lena's career was catapulted on to the world stage before the age of ten,
after winning a TV talent contest. Sadly fame and an eating disorder took
its toll and she died tragically in 1999.
Rothesay Castle
- Rothesay castle an eight-hundred year old ruin was built by a hereditary
High Steward of Scotland. The Stewart and later Stuart surname was derived
from this origin. The castle has withstood many onslaughts including an
invasion by the Vikings. Some say this is because of the castle's circular
design and this is also unique in Scotland. The traditional enemies of the
Scots that is the English captured the castle during the wars of independence.
Fortunately, Robert the Bruce retook the castle in 1311. Misfortune befell
the castle in 1659 at the hands of Oliver Cromwell's troops. If that was
not enough in 1685 it was burned and ransacked by the Duke of Argyll The
good news is that Rothesay castle has been substantially restored over the
last 120 years.
Mount
Stuart House - Can be found appproximately 5 miles south of Rothesay and
easily accessible by car or bike. A shuttle bus service also runs from Rothesay.
First opened to the public in 1995 Mount Stuart won the Scottish Tourism
Oscar Award. It is a Victorian Gothic house with exceptional architecture
both outside and inside. The interiors are absolutely sumptuous. It is definitely
worth visiting! Throughout the house you will find astrological and astronomical
themes and designs. The Marble Hall is fabulous particularly when viewed
on a sunny day as the light coming through the zodiac windows can form mini
rainbows. The ceiling in the Horoscope Room depicts the astrological chart
of the 3rd Marquess. The gardens are also very beautiful. The visitor centre
includes the ticket office, restaurant, gift shop, gallery and toilets.
There is also a tea room (and toilets) adjacent to the house. Picnic areas
can be accessed via the car park.
Tigh na bruaich
- The village Tighnabruaich which means 'the house on the hill' in Gaelic
has been aptly named. You see steep hills rising above the shoreline that
have many 'houses on the hill'. This is the case whether you are approaching
by the narrow twisting road (chiselled and blasted out of the hillside)
or sailing up the Kyle on the good ship Waverley you are met by spectacular
and unforgettable views that you will remember for ever. It is definitely
a life time experience.
Saint Blane's
Chapel - A short distance from Kilchattan Bay you will find the remains
of this chapel dating from the 12th century. Close by are the foundations
of a monastery founded by Saint Blane in the 6th century. This area is
one of the most quietest spots on the island. You can look over the sea
to the hills of Arran from this position. An unusual feature of the church
is that it had 2 cemeteries, one for men and one for women. The chapel
is approximately 8.5 miles south of Rothesay and 2 miles south of Kingarth
in a picturesque ly peaceful spot above Dunagoil on the west coast of
Bute and near the southern tip of the island.
Kilchattan Bay
- The Bay is accessible by car or bus from Rothesay and overlooks the island
of Great Cumbrae. Pony trekking is a popular past time and close by are
the ruins of Kelspoke Castle. The bay is shaped in a half moon formation
and measures about 1 to 1 and a half miles across the mouth. Until the mid
1800's it was little more than a few Fishermen' Cottages. The Marquis of
Bute established the Kilchattan Bay Tile Works in 1840. In the 1880's it
became a holiday resort with the construction of villas, the St Blane's
Hotel and a Pier. By 1955 the amount of traffic had fallen and the pier
was closed. Kilchattan Bay is still to this day a quiet and friendly resort
popular with Clyde sailors. The south end forms the start of the West Island
Way which is a footpath that runs round most of the island.
scotland4me.net2007