Bellevue Bute Guidebook
Beaches
A beautiful wide sandy beach within easy reach of Rothesay (5 miles by car or by the open top sightseeing bus). The beach is monitored by SEPA for quality and the bay is popular with both visitors and locals who enjoy paddling in the beautiful, clear waters. There is a lovely cafe/tea room (Ettrick Bay Tearoom) offering refreshments. Ettrick Bay is also the location for the hugely popular ButeFest.
On the beach itself you can enjoy stunning views to the Isle of Arran. The Ettrick Bay Stone Circle is found further up the valley and comprises of eight stones, and to the south of the bay is a bird hide where you can look out for Argyll seabirds.
9 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Ettrick Bay Beach
A beautiful wide sandy beach within easy reach of Rothesay (5 miles by car or by the open top sightseeing bus). The beach is monitored by SEPA for quality and the bay is popular with both visitors and locals who enjoy paddling in the beautiful, clear waters. There is a lovely cafe/tea room (Ettrick Bay Tearoom) offering refreshments. Ettrick Bay is also the location for the hugely popular ButeFest.
On the beach itself you can enjoy stunning views to the Isle of Arran. The Ettrick Bay Stone Circle is found further up the valley and comprises of eight stones, and to the south of the bay is a bird hide where you can look out for Argyll seabirds.
Another glorious sandy beach on the Isle of Bute. Like Ettrick Bay, Scalpsie has stunning wide sands, and beautiful views across to the hills of Arran. Once used for military purposes during the Second World War, today it's a tranquil place to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery. There are two viewpoints to help you spot the area’s wildlife and scenery. Watch the colony of seals from Seal View.
10 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Scalpsie Bay
Another glorious sandy beach on the Isle of Bute. Like Ettrick Bay, Scalpsie has stunning wide sands, and beautiful views across to the hills of Arran. Once used for military purposes during the Second World War, today it's a tranquil place to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery. There are two viewpoints to help you spot the area’s wildlife and scenery. Watch the colony of seals from Seal View.
Sightseeing
Kilchattan is a small community located approximately 8 miles from Rothesay. In addition to a red sandy beach, there is a popular hotel here (Kilchattan Bay hotel) open to non residents for food and drinks.
Historically, Kilchattan's economy was based around a lime kiln (still visible as you walk along the village street with the houses) - dating from around 1820, locally produced bricks and tiles were exported from from an old quay (now removed). In the late 19th and early 20th century, steamers arrived here and deposited crowds of summer tourists at the quay.
Although not the thriving community it once was many years ago, there is still a local post office and tearoom for refreshments.
11 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Kilchattan Bay
Kilchattan is a small community located approximately 8 miles from Rothesay. In addition to a red sandy beach, there is a popular hotel here (Kilchattan Bay hotel) open to non residents for food and drinks.
Historically, Kilchattan's economy was based around a lime kiln (still visible as you walk along the village street with the houses) - dating from around 1820, locally produced bricks and tiles were exported from from an old quay (now removed). In the late 19th and early 20th century, steamers arrived here and deposited crowds of summer tourists at the quay.
Although not the thriving community it once was many years ago, there is still a local post office and tearoom for refreshments.
Located in the centre of Rothesay, Rothesay Castle dates back to the early 13th century.
Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Norwegian fleets, the castle's immense circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland.
In 1230 it survived a three-day siege by King Haakon IV of Norway which precipitated the castle’s fortification with four round towers.
It became a royal residence soon after and was later occupied by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence and served as a base for Cromwell’s troops in the late 17th century.
The grandiose great hall in the gatehouse was restored by a Marquess of Bute in 1900 which now contains informative interpretive display which illuminate the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The 15th century St Michael’s Chapel in the courtyard is another of the castle’s impressive surviving features.
30 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Rothesay Castle
Located in the centre of Rothesay, Rothesay Castle dates back to the early 13th century.
Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Norwegian fleets, the castle's immense circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland.
In 1230 it survived a three-day siege by King Haakon IV of Norway which precipitated the castle’s fortification with four round towers.
It became a royal residence soon after and was later occupied by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence and served as a base for Cromwell’s troops in the late 17th century.
The grandiose great hall in the gatehouse was restored by a Marquess of Bute in 1900 which now contains informative interpretive display which illuminate the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The 15th century St Michael’s Chapel in the courtyard is another of the castle’s impressive surviving features.
Now for something very unique!
These toilets are a sight to behold. Originally commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899, the toilets are now a most unusual tourist attraction (as well as being fully functional public toilets).
The toilets 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 exactly as supplied by the Twyford Company of Glasgow.
The toilets are the most impressive public conveniences in Britain, and are B-listed for their heritage value. Three glass-lined cisterns at ceiling level feed 20 urinals made of a mix of marble and ceramic tiles.
The centrepiece is a six-sided urinal with black marble frames, supporting a large potted plant on top.
Only the gentlemen’s’ toilets are of Victorian date; the female toilets were added in 1994 by converting storage rooms and are ordinary public toilets.
Victorian Toilets
EsplanadeNow for something very unique!
These toilets are a sight to behold. Originally commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899, the toilets are now a most unusual tourist attraction (as well as being fully functional public toilets).
The toilets 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 exactly as supplied by the Twyford Company of Glasgow.
The toilets are the most impressive public conveniences in Britain, and are B-listed for their heritage value. Three glass-lined cisterns at ceiling level feed 20 urinals made of a mix of marble and ceramic tiles.
The centrepiece is a six-sided urinal with black marble frames, supporting a large potted plant on top.
Only the gentlemen’s’ toilets are of Victorian date; the female toilets were added in 1994 by converting storage rooms and are ordinary public toilets.
The Rothesay Winter Garden has now become The Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, and is set in the centre of Rothesay’s splendid Esplanade Gardens. Since its restoration and re-opening in 2001, the Centre showcases the many and varied attractions of the island, using a mix of multimedia, games, and graphics.
The refurbished and extended luxury 90-seat Discovery Theatre, used for a variety of events, shows the latest film releases nightly in air conditioned comfort.
Winter Gardens
The Rothesay Winter Garden has now become The Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, and is set in the centre of Rothesay’s splendid Esplanade Gardens. Since its restoration and re-opening in 2001, the Centre showcases the many and varied attractions of the island, using a mix of multimedia, games, and graphics.
The refurbished and extended luxury 90-seat Discovery Theatre, used for a variety of events, shows the latest film releases nightly in air conditioned comfort.
Mount Stewart is located about 5 miles east of Rothesay and is the home of the Marquess of Bute. Both the house and gardens are open to visitors and free parking is available for visitors. The architecture of the house inside and out never fails to amaze visitors - our favourite is a map of the stars on the ceiling of the Marble Hall. Take the spiral staircase to what is believed to be the world’s first domestic heated swimming pool. This house is filled with innovations – from an early telephone system to a Victorian passenger lift. There is a cafe onsite for refreshments. Normally closed in winter, the house usually reopens to the public in April
26 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Mount Stuart
Mount Stewart is located about 5 miles east of Rothesay and is the home of the Marquess of Bute. Both the house and gardens are open to visitors and free parking is available for visitors. The architecture of the house inside and out never fails to amaze visitors - our favourite is a map of the stars on the ceiling of the Marble Hall. Take the spiral staircase to what is believed to be the world’s first domestic heated swimming pool. This house is filled with innovations – from an early telephone system to a Victorian passenger lift. There is a cafe onsite for refreshments. Normally closed in winter, the house usually reopens to the public in April
Food scene
Rothesay has lots of great places for eating and drinking - here are some of our favourites
If you are a fan of gin, do not miss this! The gin is distilled in small batches here at the island distillery and there is a small shop for purchases.
We would particularly recommend the Gin Garden, which is lovely covered outdoor seating (with patio heaters for colder weather) to sample the "perfect serves" - one of the Isle of Bute gin varieties served in a variety of ways. The Oyster gin perfect serve (with tonic water, garnished with chilli, ginger and coriander seeds) is our particular favorite
Isle of Bute Gin
65 High StIf you are a fan of gin, do not miss this! The gin is distilled in small batches here at the island distillery and there is a small shop for purchases.
We would particularly recommend the Gin Garden, which is lovely covered outdoor seating (with patio heaters for colder weather) to sample the "perfect serves" - one of the Isle of Bute gin varieties served in a variety of ways. The Oyster gin perfect serve (with tonic water, garnished with chilli, ginger and coriander seeds) is our particular favorite
The Black Bull is a great Scottish pub and restaurant with home cooked food and reasonably priced drinks (including real ales). At the time of writing, children are allowed in the restaurant with adults until 8 pm but please check with the restaurant first before making plans in case this has changed!
Black Bull Inn
3 W Princes StThe Black Bull is a great Scottish pub and restaurant with home cooked food and reasonably priced drinks (including real ales). At the time of writing, children are allowed in the restaurant with adults until 8 pm but please check with the restaurant first before making plans in case this has changed!
Lovely bakery, a few minutes walk from Bellevue Bute. This Syrian owned cafe offers both take away and sit in options for coffee, tea and beautifully made cakes and pastries. Also lunch options
8 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Helmi’s
26 E Princes StLovely bakery, a few minutes walk from Bellevue Bute. This Syrian owned cafe offers both take away and sit in options for coffee, tea and beautifully made cakes and pastries. Also lunch options
Lovely licenced restaurant serving home cooked Polish and Spanish dishes, together with fine wines. A particularly warm welcome can be found from the owners!
The Waterfront, Rothesay
Lovely licenced restaurant serving home cooked Polish and Spanish dishes, together with fine wines. A particularly warm welcome can be found from the owners!
Well run cafe, minutes from Bellevue Bute. At time of writing, it is open for lunch and dinner, serving a range of home cooked dishes. Takeaway is also possible.
The Kettledrum
Well run cafe, minutes from Bellevue Bute. At time of writing, it is open for lunch and dinner, serving a range of home cooked dishes. Takeaway is also possible.
Traditional local Scottish pub serving a wide range of drinks. No food, but plenty of take away options nearby. This pub is one of the few to have a children's licence, where children are welcome until 8 pm (at time of writing)
9 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
The Golfers
3 E Princes StTraditional local Scottish pub serving a wide range of drinks. No food, but plenty of take away options nearby. This pub is one of the few to have a children's licence, where children are welcome until 8 pm (at time of writing)
Located in the village of Kingarth, about 5 miles or so outside of Rothesay, this hotel is well worth the trip. There is a bar and restaurant open to the public, serving excellent food and a wide range of drinks, and has been a family favourite on Bute for over 60 years. Families are welcome here.
32 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Kingarth Hotel
Located in the village of Kingarth, about 5 miles or so outside of Rothesay, this hotel is well worth the trip. There is a bar and restaurant open to the public, serving excellent food and a wide range of drinks, and has been a family favourite on Bute for over 60 years. Families are welcome here.