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At the top
of the Clyde estuary north of Arran lies the lovely Island of
Bute, with its main town of Rothsay. Bute is about fifteen miles
in length and not quite five miles wide at its widest point. The
Island is nearly split in its centre by Loch Fad. The Isle of Bute has been
a popular destination for day trippers and those staying longer
since the Victorian Era, and its not hard to see why when you
visit.
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The
main population centre of Bute is the town of Rothesay where
there is the ferry terminal. Ferries from Wemys Bay, south
of Gourock and take about 35 minutes can be taken to here. If
you do not have a car there is a very good rail link from
Glasgow to Wemyss bay. There is also a ferry link to Colintrive on the Cowal Peninsula at the North of the
Island. Bute hosts many events throughout the year such as
the very successful Jazz festival. This is also a very
special place to experience a highland games or perhaps an
agricultural show. |
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One of the
big attractions on Bute is Mount Stuart, probably one of the
most magical stately homes in the UK. This exquisite house is
set in three hundred acres of Gardens, probably one of Europe's
best. The house and gardens are open Sunday to Friday inclusive.
The
current house was built from the ashes of the a previous
building which was destroyed by fire in 1877. The current
building was designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and is a
grand palace with lavish architecture and can be used for
weddings or corporate functions. A very exclusive setting
indeed.
The
island became very popular with the Victorians however there
have been people living on this island for at least five
thousand years as can be seen from the excellent standing stones
at St Ninians Bay, and the vitrified fort at Dunagoil bay.
Rothesay castle was built about 800 years ago and is a
magnificent example of a circular design of Battlements. It was
particularly effective in the defence against the Viking
landings however in later years fell to the Duke of Argyll in
1685 when it was sacked and burned. It has been substantial
restored over the last century and is one of Bute's primary
attractions after Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute and
Rothesay, Clyde Estuary, Argyll, Scotland |
