Rothesay Castle
A unique design in Scotland, the ruined castle, floodlit at night,  stands majestically in the heart of Rothesay. The castle has been partially restored over the last 100 years and in 1998 was the focus of the Bute 500 celebrations to commemorate 500 years since the granting of the keepership of the castle to the Stuarts. The current keeper is the Marquess of Bute, Johnny Bute. HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles also visited the castle in September 1998 in his capacity as the Duke of Rothesay.
There is an audio-visual presentation detailing the Viking involvement in Rothesay's history. The castle is kept in great condition by Historic Scotland and the banqueting halls are even available to hire for weddings, parties and other functions.
Open : All year.
April-Sept : Mon-Sat 09.30-18.30, Sun 14.00-18.30
Oct-Mar    : Mon-Sat 09.30-16.30 (closed Thurs p.m. & Fri), Sun 14.00-16.30
Admission : Adults £1.50, Concession £1.00, Children 75p
Tel +44 (0)1700 502691

Mount Stuart
In the 18th century the 2nd Earl of Bute (1682-1723), moved from Rothesay and established an estate 7 miles south. A disastrous fire in 1877 destroyed the 2nd Earls original Mount Stuart House. The present house was commissioned and inspired by the 3rd Marquess of Bute (1847-1900) along with the Scottish architect, Robert Rowand Anderson. This amazing gothic edifice reflects the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess and the profusion of stained glass and marble is breathtaking. The house stands in  300 acres of landscaped policies established by the 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-1792), who advised on the setting up of the botanical gardens at Kew in London. In recent years the late Lord Bute instigated a programme of restoration which culminated and the house was opened to the public in 1995 and the house & grounds are visited by up to 30,000 people in a season. 
Open: Mount Stuart is open for Easter Weekend, including Good Friday 25th March and Easter Monday 28th March.
Open daily from Sunday 1st May to Friday 30th September 2005 (inclusive). Please note that the House closes earlier on Saturdays to accommodate weddings, with the last tour starting at 1.30pm.
Opening Times
House 11.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday to Friday
10.00am - 2.30pm, Saturdays Only
Gardens 10.00am - 6.00pm
Viewing of the House is by guided tour only. Last tour each day 1 hour prior to closure.
Tel : +44 (0)1700 503877
Visit the Mount Stuart Web Site

Ascog Hall Fernery & Gardens
Restored over a period of years and opened in 1997 this charming and impressive Victorian fernery is the only one of its kind in Scotland. It has been replanted with fern species from around the world and includes the only survivor from the original collection which is thought to be 1000 years old! Open Mid April-Mid October : 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Visit the Web Site

The Winter Garden (see our Image Gallery for a photo.)
This Grade A listed building was saved in recent years after a threat of demolition and car park building was averted. The Winter Garden now houses a Rothesay's cinema (tiny, but effective!) and Fowler's waterfront bistro (see our Where to Eat page). Having been for many years a venue for theatre, weddings and various gigs, the auditorium area is now being converted into a brand new Tourist Information and Visitor Centre. Tel : +44(0)1700 502487

The Victorian Toilets
Commissioned in 1899 at the peak of Rothesay's Victorian popularity, these public loos have won nation-wide awards. Rescued from neglect, the restored gents are a (fully functional) monument to Victorian ornate design incorporating mosaic floors, marble fittings, shiny copper pipework and glass-sided cisterns.
Open : All year
Adults - 10p / Children Free

Bute Museum
A small but interesting museum of the island's Geology, Archaeology , Local & Natural History. There are special activities for children, a display of famed Clyde Steamers and a section devoted to the island's wildlife. The museum archivists are also very helpful in researching the history of the island and it's residents.
Open : All year. Closed Christmas and New Year.
Apr-Sept Mon-Sat 10.30-16.30
Oct-Mar  Tues-Sat 14.30-16.30
Sundays 14.30-16.30
Admission - Adults £1.20 / Senior Citizens 75p / Children 40p
Tel : +44 (0)1700 505067

St Blane's Chapel
The beautiful and peaceful spot overlooking Dunagoil in the south of the island. St Blane was born on Bute in the 6th century, educated in Ireland and returned to the island to establish his monastery. The churchyard contains the graves of seventh & eighth century bishops and abbots. There is also the family plot of Sir William MacEwen, the famous Bute-born surgeon who lived at Garrochty, a large house overlooked by the
site.
The route to the chapel is well signposted south of Kingarth. Park at the end of the road and the chapel is a 300 metre walk up the hill.