ビクトリア朝の人々はなぜスコットランドのビュート島を愛したのでしょうか?

ビクトリア朝の人々はなぜスコットランドのビュート島を愛したのでしょうか?

The Victorians loved this Scottish Isle. Every 
summer, leaving the industrial grime of Glasgow behind, they hopped on a paddle steamer and made a 
pilgrimage to this island just hours away. In the first part of this two-part video, we’re retracing 
that exact journey, stepping back in time to explore the seaside architecture, ancient castle, 
and the nature that inspired their great escape. Part two will be dedicated to Mount Stewart, 
an incredible home rebuilt following a fire in 1877. A flamboyant example of Victorian Gothic 
revival architecture. Get ready for a jaw-dropping surprise. The Isle of Bute was a genuine delight. 
A Victorian idyll waiting to be rediscovered. Well, good morning, memoryseekers. We are just 
leaving Greenock. We’ve stayed here overnight. We flew up from London to Glasgow yesterday 
evening, spent the night at the Premier Inn, and now it’s about 7:30 in the morning. We’ve 
just got provisions from the local supermarket and we’re on our way to the ferry port now to take 
us across to Bute. Bute which is in the Firth of Clyde,   located about an hour’s drive from Glasgow. 
We hired a car from the airport from Friday to Sunday evening for £92 with Alamo. Our 
room at the Premier in Greenock was also £92, a convenient night stop just 25 25-minute 
drive from Wemyss Bay Ferry port. So, we didn’t plan to actually get 
the ferry that’s just gone. We’re   waiting for the 9:05; they go roughly every 
hour. We pre-booked online a couple of weeks ago, so the tickets were already done. I think 
it was £46 return. We’ll put a link to the Calmac ferry website on the screen for 
you now, but we’ll wait for the ferry. But let’s go and have a look at one of the 
most incredible stations that Scotland has. The elegant Station is frequently held as one of 
Britain’s loveliest railway stations, and for good reason. Its history is inexplicably linked to the 
paddle steamers serving for over a century as a definitive gateway for generations escaping 
the grime of Glasgow for a seaside holiday. Each year, particularly during the 
Glasgow fair fortnight in July,   thousands of city residents steamed toward the 
Clyde coast to reach resorts like Rothesay, Largs, and Millport. A great Scottish tradition known 
as “Doon the Watter” meaning down the water, which refers to taking a trip from 
Glasgow down the River Clyde to coastal towns and resorts. The first iteration 
of Wemyss Bay station opened in May 1865,   built in a handsome Victorian villa style. Initial 
success was short-lived due to chaotic operations, and the Wemyss Boat Steam Company was liquidated 
in 1869. The station’s golden age began in 1893 when the Caledonian Railway absorbed the line. Crucially, the CR already controlled   its own fleet via the Caledonian Steam Packet 
Company, which took over Wemyss Bay services in 1890. This strategic integration of railway and 
maritime services eliminated chaotic timekeeping, establishing Wemyss Bay as Scotland’s first 
truly seamless rail-and-ferry terminal. The original 1865 structure was inadequate for 
the booming holiday market. So, a magnificent new station, designed by James Miller and Donald 
Matheson, was built in 1903. Both the station and the pier were specifically constructed to 
accommodate the large paddle steamers, including vessels seen here, such as the Caledonia, 
Duchess of Fife and the Duchess of Montrose. The station is famous for its vast sweeping curves 
of glass and steel. The curved platforms converge into a semi-circular concourse. But the most 
vital feature is the covered curvilinear ramp. This ramp was deliberately designed to efficiently   channel the huge queues of people at the 
interchange, ensuring a rapid, smooth, and organised flow of thousands 
of passengers from train to boat. The design transformed the utilitarian necessity 
to transfer into an uplifting experience with one child visitor recalling asking her mother if 
they were in a palace upon seeing the glass roof. These steamers were central to the “Doon 
the Watter” tradition, completing journeys   to destinations like Rothesay on the Isle of 
but which is where we’re heading today. Even amidst the disruptions of World War II, Wemyss 
Bay continued as a crucial service hub with vessels maintaining vital passenger and goods 
services to the islands.    While the Clyde Coast has since transitioned to modern transport, the fundamental design by Miller endures. The first car ferry service from Wemyss 
Bay to Rothesay commenced in 1954, eventually leading to the introduction of the   contemporary vessels such as the Argyle 
and Bute that run the services today. The station retains its category A 
listed building status, acknowledged   for its significant architectural and 
historical importance. After decades of deterioration, a sensitive multi-million-pound 
restoration was completed in 2016, returning the building to its original Edwardian grandeur 
and earning it a National Railway Heritage Award. If you don’t have a car, you can travel 
by train from Glasgow Central and buy a   combined rail and sale ticket for as little as 
£28.40 return with ScotRail or get a bus ticket just to the ferry port using the Clyde 
Flyer from as little as £9.20 one way. There we are. We’re all aboard now. 
It’s only a 35-minute crossing,   so we’ll be in Rothesay very soon. Being on the outside deck gives us a chance to   really see the curvature of the foot 
passenger ramp as we leave the port. Despite the journey lasting just over half an 
hour, the ferry is well-equipped. It offers a   coffee cabin for hot drinks and light bites. Free 
Wi-Fi, public toilets and passenger lounges. For accessibility, there’s a lift between decks, 
and a designated pet area is available. As we make this journey to the Isle of 
Bute it’s hard to believe that at its peak,   up to 100 steamers were 
making this crossing daily. The island’s main town, Rothesay, is 
starting to come into view as we reach Rothesay Bay. This typical seaside town is 
set to retain much of its Victorian charm,   so it’s going to be exciting to explore the area. This impressive looking building is the 
Glenburn Hotel, possibly the island’s   most imposing accommodation. And we’ll be 
staying here for the night. We’ll have a look around later when we check in. All right, 
everybody else has gone back to their cars, and we’d better as well now. Trying to film the 
arrival, but we won’t be able to. Never mind. We’re going to be back in Rothesay later, but 
first of all, we want to do a circular walk to kick off the day. And hopefully the 
weather’s going to be with us. It’s been   quite blustery already this morning, but 
hopefully bit of sunshine this afternoon, but we’re going to head off now to the other 
side of the island to the circular wall. We’re heading to the furthest point you can drive on 
the northern tip of the Isle, at Reboduch. The road hugs the coastline for most of it, so the drive 
is very pretty and well worth doing even if you’re not planning to do a hike. Or you can hire bikes 
from Rothesay and cycle this pretty flat route. As we arrive at Reboduch, notice another small 
ferry crossing. This is the only other place you can cross between the Isle and mainland Scotland. 
Colintraive to Reboduch. It’s Calmac’s shortest ferry route. The boat crosses every 30 minutes 
from around 5:30 in the morning till 9:00 p.m. But do check the timetable and fares, which start 
from around £1.60 for a foot passenger one way. So, we parked up at the northern 
end of the island, found a website,   and it kind of details it’s 
about a 2 and 1 half mile walk, going up to a viewpoint that’s meant to look 
down over this kind of bay area, with some great views. Just come through the gate. We’re following 
the instructions from the website.    Apparently, there are some fallen trees and a boggy area we’ve 
got to navigate. So, hopefully we can work it out. Yeah, that looks boggy, huh? Well,   I can imagine it would be very boggy 
when it’s been wet for a while. All right. So, it says follow the yellow markers and a bit of 
a diversion because of all the fallen trees. You certainly need to bring boots. 
Even in the summer and when we’ve had such a dry period, it’s still very boggy. Right. So, this is a derelict 
farmhouse, is it? Yeah. Okay, This storm really knocked down trees,   didn’t it? Massive. Just literally 
ripped them out the ground. Look at it. Wow. I wonder when that storm was. It 
must have been a hell of a storm. And there’s the ferry. Look down 
there. Just see it in the trees. It’s getting quite warm now. 
It’s going to be about 24° today,   they say. That’s why we’re doing this 
fairly early. But there are hundreds of flies everywhere. Not midges, 
actual flies. They’re pretty grim. Doing a little bit of work on the paths up 
here to improve them so they’re not so boggy. My god, this view looks incredible. We are looking down on the Kyles of Bute, 
a narrow scenic sea channel splitting the northern Isle of Bute from the Cowal 
peninsula on the mainland.    This area is a designated national scenic area famous 
for its sheltered waters, wooded hillsides, and popularity for yachting. During the Victorian 
era, the Kyles became a quintessential part of the popular ‘Doon the Watter’ excursions taken 
by the affluent and middle-class tourists on the steamers. They saw the area as a place 
of spectacular, accessible nature, beauty, and leisure, which fueled the development of 
Rothesay into a fashionable Victorian seaside resort. During World War II, the site was a 
clever deception known as a starfish site.   The Royal Navy constructed a decoy to lure 
German bombers away from vital industrial and naval targets on the nearby River Clyde, such 
as Greenock and Clyde Bank. The site consisted of a complex of lights, fires, and pyrotechnics 
controlled from a concrete bunker still seen here. It was designed to simulate a town that 
was already ablaze from a previous air raid. Is this the T junction? 
Yeah. So, we’re going left. Just a bit about what we’ve seen so far. Oh, 
right. And other walks on the island. So, where are we? Somewhere up in the hills here. 
Yeah, that’s where we parked the car. Where was the ferry? Yeah. Where was, Where did we get 
the ferry in? Oh, right down there, isn’t it? Or even further down. No, there further down. Oh, 
right. It’s about right down there. Oh, right. So, we’re doing the red one. We’ve made the detour 
to the bunker. Come back, so we’re here. Oh, cool. God, you can walk all the way across the 
other side of the island if you have the time. Having walked the majority of the route, the 
path leads us back to the road we drove in   on and a short walk along the shoreline to 
return to our car and the ferry crossing. An island bus passed us, and you can find all 
the details of using the local Bute bus service here. So there we are, walks finished. Took us 
about two hours to do the whole circular, really pretty in places. They’re doing a lot of 
felling of logs and sort of woodland management, it seems. So parts of it are just kind of 
full of chopped-down trees. But anyway, great views as well from near the bunker. I love 
that bit. We’re just almost back at the car. We’re going to have a quick bite 
to eat and then head to the main   town on the island called Rothesay. We’ve 
got another walk planned there taking in some of the main sights and important 
things to see. So let’s go check that out. The early history of Rothesay, primarily 
revolving around the Isle of Bute’s strategic   importance and Rothesay Castle, is marked by Norse 
influence and the rise of the Stewart dynasty. The town grew up around the castle, 
which was likely begun by Walter,   the third high steward of Scotland, in the 
early 1200s to defend against the Norwegians. The arrival of the paddle steamers in the early 
19th century completely transformed Rothesay from a small burgh and fishing port into one of 
Scotland’s premier and most fashionable Victorian seaside resorts. To accommodate the massive influx 
of tourists, the town’s harbour was improved, and a substantial steamer pier was built. A 
horse-drawn tramway was opened in 1882. The line was electrified and extended to Ettrick Bay in 
1902. The only such tramway on a Scottish island. At the Winter Gardens on the Esplanade is 
a statue of Alexander Bannatyne Stewart. He was a wealthy Glasgow draper and 
philanthropist who significantly shaped   Rothesay during its Victorian boom 
years. His impact stemmed from both his generous donations and his active 
participation in local improvements. The site of the famous Rothesay Winter 
Gardens was, during the Victorian era,   occupied by a popular open-air bandstand that 
served as the primary musical and social focus of the esplanade. Victorian tourists 
arriving by paddle steamer would gather   here to enjoy the essential seaside ritual 
of listening to military or civilian bands, a central feature of the 
resort’s leisure activities. Although the renowned glass and cast 
iron structure was only erected in 1924,   replacing the bandstand and incorporating 
its stage, its later building perfectly mirrored the architectural style and 
all-weather entertainment function   required by the huge tourist crowds 
that the Victorians had established. Today you can pitch and putt on the green or 
have your photo taken with the Isle of Bute sign. Don’t overlook the markers for the 
Highland Boundary fault which is one   of the most significant geological features in 
Scotland and it passes right through Rothesay. You’re in the lowlands and now you’re in the highlands. As we walk across the car ferry waiting 
area in the port, perhaps the most unique   and celebrated heritage site in Rothesay 
is the West Pier Public Convenience, known universally as the Victorian Toilets. They were built in 1899 by the Rothesay 
Harbour Trust at a cost of £530. Only the cisterns in the toilet cubicles 
are not original. Every other part of the   fittings is precisely as supplied 
by the Twyford company of Glasgow. The design is exceptionally elaborate, utilizing 
marble furnishings, exquisite tile work, copper piping, and a mosaic floor. The facility features 
three glass-lined cisterns feeding 20 urinals, including a striking six-sided centrepiece framed 
in black marble. Only the gentlemen’s toilets are of Victorian date. The female toilets were only 
added in 1994 by converting storage rooms and are ordinary public toilets. This was part 
of a restoration costing around £300,000. King Charles III, then Prince of Wales 
and holding the title Duke of Rothesay,   visited the facility. The urinal he used is 
marked with his Duke of Rothesay coat of arms. You might be wondering why it was 
originally only for men. Well, in 1853, legislation imposed a Sunday ban on alcohol sales 
across Scotland. Crucially, a specific exception was carved out for paddle steamers. As one might 
expect, Scots, determined to enjoy a drink, quickly exploited this loophole, sailing out 
specifically for the purpose. This practice gave rise to the slang term steaming, which soon 
came to mean getting drunk. The sheer volume of alcohol consumed by male passengers on these 
cruises soon presented a logistical problem. Inadequate restroom facilities on the boats. 
This led to a distinct need for additional toilet facilities on shore to manage the resulting cues. 
Intriguingly, women did not drink to the same extent while on board as no such corresponding 
public facilities were established for them. Let’s briefly make our way through the 
back streets and head for the castle. Rothesay Castle is an undisputed 
foundational structure of the town, dating back to a time of immense military 
insecurity in the western waters of Scotland. Construction of the stone fortress 
began around 1200 by Walter Stewart, the third high steward of Scotland, replacing an 
earlier timber structure. Its primary military objective was to serve as a staunch defence 
against the persistent threat of Norwegian invasion. Looked after by Historic Scotland, 
you can find out all the details for tickets   and opening times here. We were able to use 
our English Heritage cards and get in free. The castle possesses an architectural feature 
that renders it unique amongst Scottish castles, an almost entirely circular plan. This is an 
illustration of what it looked like once built. Its strength was immediately tested by the 
ongoing power struggle between Scottish kings   who were determined to recover the Hebrides and 
the Norwegian monarchy, which had held sway since 1098 following Viking raids. Rothesay Castle 
was captured and besieged twice by Norse forces, first in 1230 and again in 1263 when King Haakon 
IV of Norway led the assault himself. Although the Norse were scattered by a violent storm 
soon after the second siege, these invasions demonstrated the necessity for a stronger defence. 
In response, the Stewards added four projecting towers to the main structure to prevent future 
capture, which might have been unnecessary, as by 1266 the Hebrides were officially returned 
to Alexander III. The town’s destiny was cemented in 1371 when Robert Stewart, the seventh high 
steward, inherited the crown as Robert II,   thereby founding the Stewart royal dynasty. 
Rothesay was formally elevated to a royal castle. Subsequent Stuart monarchs, including James IV and 
James V, invested heavily in the castle during the late 1400s, adding the impressive Great Gate House 
and St. Michael’s Chapel within the courtyard. The pit prison is a notorious feature within 
the 15th-century portion of the gatehouse. Also known as the forework. Will is going 
to reluctantly scramble down inside. This cramped subterranean cell is a grim example 
of a bottleneck dungeon typically accessed only by a trapdoor in the floor above. 
Designed for maximum security and misery, it offered its occupants extremely claustrophobic 
conditions with little light or fresh air, underscoring the harsh realities of 
medieval and early modern incarceration. St. Michael’s Chapel was a vital addition to the 
fortress. It served as the spiritual heart for the Scottish monarchs and their entourage during 
their stays at the strategic island stronghold. Uniquely, it is the only building to survive in 
recognisable form within the castle’s original 13th-century circular defences. Though time 
has taken its toll, visitors can still discern the chapel’s layout on the east side of the 
inner courtyard. The upper floor would have   been the principal place for worship, while 
the lower level likely served as storage. The town retains an unbroken high status 
connection to the crown through the title of the Duke of Rothesay, which is held to this day by 
the heir to the British throne, currently Prince William. By the 1800s, the castle had fallen into 
ruin. But at this critical juncture, its strategic military past became intrinsically linked to 
its economic future. The Crichton Stuarts, Marquis of Bute, undertook a significant 
restoration project, returning the structure to its current state of preservation. 
This effort was a crucial transition. The Marquis’s influential landowners understood 
that preserving the ruined fortress enhanced the cultural prestige of their burgeoning seaside 
town. The castle, having ceased to be a military  necessity centuries before, was reinvented 
as an early form of heritage conservation, being a key historic monument and tourist 
draw that the Victorian visitors loved. In the distance, you might be able to see the   zigzag road of the Serpentine. And 
that’s where we’re heading next. Just outside the castle is 
Montague Street Gardens,   where you can sit or read some 
of the information boards. As we walk past the castle moat, I 
forgot to mention that historically,   the medieval shoreline was only 75 yards 
away and directly connected to the bay, making it a tidal seawater defence. 
This proximity to the coast, however, changed significantly in the 19th century due to 
extensive land reclamation. On the other side of  the castle is the Bute Museum, which we won’t be visiting, but details can be found here. On the corner of Castle Street and High 
Street is the town hall and county buildings,   a prominent Edwardian landmark designed by 
architect Alexander Lindsay and opened in 1903. This grand red sandstone structure instantly 
recognisable by its imposing clock tower was built to serve as the administrative hub for the county 
of Bute during Rothesay’s booming Victorian era. It originally housed the sheriff court, council 
chambers, and various local government offices. It still continues to accommodate 
some Argyll and Bute council services,   preserving its significant architectural and 
historical presence in the heart of Rothesay. During the Victorian era, Castle 
Street was the bustling commercial   and civic heart of Rothesay, teeming 
with shops and people. In contrast, Serpentine Road was specifically designed as a 
picturesque leisure walk offering scenic vistas. This challenging route is known for its 
steep descent and numerous hairpin bends.   It features 14 hairpins and drops approximately 
70 metres, 230 feet vertically along its length. The road is flanked by grand Victorian and 
Edwardian villas, which showcase the wealth   and aspirations of the era’s residents 
and reflect the town’s boom period. Certainly quite a challenge to walk up, and 
is often compared to San Francisco’s Lombard Street due to its winding nature, though 
it is described as having even more bends. Canada Hill offers the most spectacular panoramic 
views of Rothesay, the Kyles of Bute across the Cowal Peninsula. The expansive vistas were a major 
draw and tourists would make the effort to ascend the hill to capture postcard worthy memories 
either through sketches, early photography, or simply by enjoying the scene. While the 
exact origin of the name Canada Hill is debated, one popular theory links it to the Victorian 
immigration period. It became a location where families gathered to say a final goodbye to loved 
ones who were immigrating to Canada by ship. The surrounding area also saw development with some 
villas and larger houses built to take advantage of the stunning views, catering to the wealthier 
Victorian residents and long-term visitors. The temperature today, I think it’s about 24c, 
but it is incredibly muggy. Feels sort of 27, 28 degrees. We’ve had a little walk 
around and we’ve managed to sort ourselves out dinner at a place called the Waterfront. Its 
been actually quite difficult finding somewhere   to book for dinner, but we’ve managed to do it 
now. Anyway, it’s close to checking into the hotel. We’re staying at the Glenburn, a Victorian 
hotel. We saw it when we came in on the ferry. Um, so we’re going to do that now and have a little 
rest because we’ve been at it since half past 7   this morning, when we set off, and of course, 
we’ve done that walk as well. So, it makes for a very busy day. But anyway, we’ll go and check 
in at the hotel now and do some more later. Having grabbed the car, we just had to drive down   Canada Hill and Serpentine Road to 
experience all the twists and turns. The Glenburn Hotel, colloquially known 
to older generations as the Hydro,   represents the pinnacle of Rothesay’s 
high-end Victorian tourism. It opened in 1892, coinciding with the arrival of hydrotherapy or 
the water cure fashion. The hotel was originally designed to facilitate therapeutic cold bath 
and wet blanket treatments. Following a fire in 1892, the structure was rebuilt on 
a larger scale, resulting in the grand, elegant structure that still commands 
superb views of Rothesay Bay today. This hotel with its 121 bedrooms became a pillar 
of the community. Although the hydropathic treatment ceased in the 1930s due to lack of 
demand, the hotel’s superior atmosphere persisted. So, we’re all checked in at the hotel. A 
compact room around the back. We only paid £86 for the night. We weren’t expecting too 
much. The reviews are that the hotel is   a little bit tired and in need of 
a little bit of work, which it is, but it’s fine. The communal areas are lovely 
with the wood panelling and everything. Lots of   people are sitting out under the arches having a 
drink this afternoon. So, we’ll pop into town and grab a drink and do a little bit more 
sightseeing. Walking back into town from the hotel is just a 10-minute stroll, and it 
gives us a chance to see more of Rothesay Bay. This building, Beattie Court, originated 
as the Royal Aquarium, Scotland’s first,   constructed in 1875 and 76. Located on the site 
of a former artillery battery, it featured a camera obscura and a seal enclosure with massive 
tanks holding a total of 636,000 litres of water. The aquarium closed in the 1920s, subsequently 
becoming swimming baths from 1938 and also serving at various times as a music hall and museum, 
before it was converted into flats in the 1990s. Reaching the centre of town,   we popped into the Taverna Bar before it 
was time for our dinner at the waterfront. The menu was simple but offers a difference 
to Scottish fair with Mediterranean and Polish   dishes close to the heart of the owners. A 
small establishment, it was very popular, and the hosts’ entertaining quips during service 
made it a memorable evening. We shared a lovely bottle of wine with some Spanish octopus-style 
squid pieces and paprika. Also small Spanish scallops in a gorgeous carva sauce and bigos, 
a Polish dish in the cast iron pot. Chopped meat of various kinds stewed with sauerkraut, 
shredded cabbage, and spices. For our main course, we chose the Polish sausage pizza, which was 
extremely good. In all, our meal and wine were £82, which we thought was very reasonable. Just 
finished our dinner at the waterfront restaurant. It was an experience. Food was absolutely divine. 
The front of house guy was very entertaining, keeping everyone engaged and we had some 
good laughs in there and we got chatting to the people next to us and they actually 
have been living on the island for 17 years.   So we got a few insider chips, tips from them 
as well. But we are going to go to another bar just around the corner here where there is some 
live music. So let’s go check that out. In fact,   it was the same Taverna bar from earlier, but 
there are plenty of other bars to choose from. As you can see, it’s the end of the day. It’s 
about 11:00 at night. Still a bit of light in the sky, actually. It’s 21st June today, so it’s 
the longest day of the year. And as we’re so far north, (relatively far north in the UK anyway), 
and fairly far west, it stays light till very late in the evening. We’ve had a few bevies 
and we are now working our way back to the hotel. I’m still in a t-shirt. It’s a little 
bit chilly. I could do with a jumper, but, it’s not too bad really. Tomorrow, we’ve 
got more of the same. We’re on Bute, plenty of time to explore the rest of the 
island. We haven’t been to the south bit yet,   which is meant to be particularly beautiful. 
So, we shall do that. But the weather, well, as you’ve seen today, it’s been amazing, but 
tomorrow, it’s taking a turn for the worse. It’s going to be wet and windy, which is a 
bit of a downer. I think it’s going to start raining from about sort of 4:00am in the morning 
overnight. Soo when we wake up in the morning, it’s going to be cloudy and probably raining. 
So, we’ll see how that affects the day. But we’ve still got plenty of time to explore the 
island, and then we’ll take a ferry back to the mainland. So, yes, let’s get back to the hotel 
tonight and see what tomorrow has in store. In part two, we’ll explore the south of the 
Isle with our focus firmly on the incredible Mount Stewart. The weather may have scuppered 
some of our plans. Still, the tour inside this stunning property was unforgettable with 
features like the breathtaking marble hall, clad in 20 different types of marble, a 
vaulted ceiling painted as a celestial map studded with glass crystals, and opulent rooms 
filled with exquisite carvings, rare mosaics, and the surprisingly modern marvels of its 
time. Join us again next week for more from the Isle of Bute. And if you haven’t yet 
subscribed, hit that button now so you   don’t miss a moment of our adventures. 
Thanks for watching the Memory Seekers.

This week, we’re escaping to the breathtaking Isle of Bute, the quintessential Victorian holiday spot! For the Victorians of Glasgow, this historic island was the ultimate summer pilgrimage, a glorious steam train ride, then an hour by paddle steamer away from the city’s grime and into the healing sea air.
We start by literally retracing the Victorians’ escape route, arriving via the magnificent Wemyss Bay Station—one of the most beautiful surviving Victorian railway termini, perfectly designed to connect trains directly to the steamers bound for Rothesay. As we step onto the quay, you can almost hear the bustle of holidaymakers arriving for their break on the Isle of Bute.

Rothesay’s popularity in the 19th century exploded because of the Industrial Revolution. With the railway and reliable paddle steamers, a healthy seaside break became accessible to the masses. Rothesay became famous for its sophisticated attractions, such as the grand Glenburn Hotel (The Hydro), a major centre for hydrotherapy. The island offered everything a Victorian holidaymaker craved: culture, stunning scenery, and the promise of better health.

Why You Must Visit Today

The island retains its authentic Victorian charm, offering a unique and tranquil Scottish experience away from the crowds.

Views & Walks: Head up Canada Hill for breathtaking, panoramic views across Rothesay Bay—a vista that captivated generations.

Historical Exploration: Explore the medieval ruins of Rothesay Castle, a dramatic circular-plan fortress linking the island to Scotland’s deeper past.

Architectural Gems: Stroll the promenade and admire the stunning Victorian architecture and the unique, unhurried pace of island life.

The charm of the Isle of Bute is its preservation. It is a peaceful, authentic slice of history framed by a beautiful Scottish landscape.

Stay tuned for Part Two! Next time, we explore the truly spectacular and otherworldly Mount Stuart House—a Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece!

Helpful Links
Calmac Ferry Booking www.calmac.co.uk
Train Booking www.scotrail.co.uk
Bus Booking www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk
Glenburn Hotel https://theglenburn.scot-hotel.com
Rothesay Castle www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/rothesay-castle
Walking Route www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Local Bute Bus Service www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/services/isle-of-bute
Bike Hire https://fynefutures.org.uk/bikebute
Waterfront Restaurant https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063558732051
Mount Stuart www.mountstuart.com

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00:00 Isle of Bute Overview
00:58 Getting to the Isle of Bute
02:36 Wemyss Bay Victorian Station
07:13 Calmac Isle of Bute Ferry
11:56 Exploring North of Island
13:51 Rhubodach West Island Way Circular Walk
22:49 Exploring Victorian Rothesay Town
26:00 Victorian Toilets
28:31 Rothesay Castle
35:24 Castle St and Serpentine Road
37:02 Canada Hill
40:45 Glenburn Victorian Hotel
42:09 Rothesay Bay Walk
43:27 The Waterfront Restaurant
45:09 Night Walk Rothesay
46:49 In Part 2 Mount Stuart

#isleofbute #visitscotland #victorian