Historic Bute
The isle of Bute has been settled from the earliest times and boasts a host of historic and archaeological sites from ancient stone circles and stone age burial cairns, early Christian chapels, medieval castles and the Victorian Gothic splendour of Mount Stuart. Below are just a few of the historic sites waiting to be explored.
Mount Stuart House :-www.mountstuart.com
No visit to Bute is complete without a visit to this magnificent home. Mount Stuart is the finest Victorian gothic mansion in Britain and famous across the world. Take a tour of the house and explore some of the 300 acres of gardens with their glasshouse pavilion, private beach, tree lined avenues, monuments and follies. We can arrange special extended tours of the house to areas not normally on show to the public including the swimming pool and Burges Chapel with its mirrored floor which feels like you are floating through the decoration of the ceiling. The house was built in the 1880’s by the 3rd Marquess of Bute, at the time the richest man in Britain, is an exotic mix of astronomy, astrology, mythology and religion. The stunning interiors will leave you breathless. Look out for stoats, spiders, monkeys, squirrels, mice and chicks in their nest peeking out from the fantastic carvings throughout the house.
Castle :-www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
The castle is in the centre of Rothesay a short walk from the hotel and is an excellent and romantic venue for weddings. Built in the early 13th Century by Walter the High Steward to defend against Norwegian attack the castle is unique in Scotland because of its circular design and early date.
When the Steward’s through their marriage to Marjory Bruce daughter of Robert the Bruce became Kings of Scotland Rothesay became a Royal Castle. The title Duke of Rothesay was given to the heir to the Scottish throne and still today Prince Charles is addressed as Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland. The Marquess of Bute is High Keeper of Rothesay Castle; the Third Marquess had the castle restored as a ruin in 19th Century restoring the gatehouse and great hall.
St. Blane’s Chapel
The short walk from the parking area up the hill to St. Blane’s Chapel at the south end of the island is a rewarding one, with stunning views of Sudhie Hill and Dunagoil Bay. The Chapel was site of religious worship from late 500AD. The ruins today are extensive and date from the 12th Century the medieval nave and archway and decorative pillars can still be seen. St. Blane’s is excellent for a short walk or a picnic.
