The following information was provided by Mr Darell Wood Bute Development Officer with the Argyll and Bute Council. The pictures in the slide show were kindly provided by Libby Withnall. This page will be modified when we manage to visit the Castle in person.

Rothesay Castle

A unique design in Scotland (circular and moated), the ruined castle, floodlit at night, stands majestically in the heart of Rothesay. Records written in 1230 tell of a castle under seige from Norsemen. It was the island home of the Scottish kings, but fell into the hands of the English during the wars of independence, and was retaken by Robert the Bruce in 1311. In the Civil War the castle was captured by the Earl of Lennox on behalf of the English, and partly dismantled by Cromwell's troops in 1659.

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 splendid condition by Historic Scotland, and the banqueting halls are even available to hire for weddings, parties and other functions.

Open : All year (the Castle is a major visitor attraction for Bute)
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