Rothesay

One thing you must do before leaving Rothesay is spend a penny in the palatial Victorian public toilets. Rather more than that (£300,000 to be exact) has already been spent on restoring this architectural gem to its former glory. Gents get the best deal but the ladies can also take a peek. Daily Easter-Oct 0800-2100, Nov-Easter 0900-1700.

Rothesay Castle is also well worth visiting. Rebuilt around the 12th century, the castle had been attacked by Vikings, before becoming a favourite with the Stewart Kings. It fell into English hands during the Wars of Independence and was retaken by Robert the Bruce in 1311. It was also occupied by Cromwell's New Model Army after the Civil War and partly dismantled, but restoration work has helped preserve much of this impressive circular, moated ruin. Open Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1400-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 0930-1630, Sun 1400-1630 (closed Thu-Fri afternoon). To get there, follow the signs from the pier.

Behind the castle is Bute Museum, which features interesting displays covering the island's history, wildlife and archaeology. Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 1430-1630; Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1030-1630, Sun 1430-1630.

Well worth ten minutes of your time is a visit to the old POST OFFICE, now used only as a sorting office and open Monday to Saturday, mornings only. In display cases they have artifacts of the local Post going back before the invention of the postage stamp.

Visitors to The Isle of Bute always take the view that they couldn't tell from arriving in Rothesay how outstandingly beautiful and varied the island is from their first impressions. Once outside Rothesay, the scenery is outstanding, the wildlife bountiful, the countyside ever-changing and unspoilt by modern developments for buiding, tourism, industry or holiday homes. It is unique and very, very special. So get out of Rothesay! There is an open-top tour bus at 11.00, 01.00 and 03.00 p.m. from Rothesay that tours the whole island. And there are regular service buses up and down the length of the east coast.

One thing you must do before leaving Rothesay is spend a penny in the palatial Victorian public toilets. Rather more than that (£300,000 to be exact) has already been spent on restoring this architectural gem to its former glory. Gents get the best deal but the ladies can also take a peek. Daily Easter-Oct 0800-2100, Nov-Easter 0900-1700.

Rothesay Castle is also well worth visiting. Rebuilt around the 12th century, the castle had been attacked by Vikings, before becoming a favourite with the Stewart Kings. It fell into English hands during the Wars of Independence and was retaken by Robert the Bruce in 1311. It was also occupied by Cromwell's New Model Army after the Civil War and partly dismantled, but restoration work has helped preserve much of this impressive circular, moated ruin. Open Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1400-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 0930-1630, Sun 1400-1630 (closed Thu-Fri afternoon). To get there, follow the signs from the pier.

Behind the castle is Bute Museum, which features interesting displays covering the island's history, wildlife and archaeology. Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 1430-1630; Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1030-1630, Sun 1430-1630.

Well worth ten minutes of your time is a visit to the old POST OFFICE, now used only as a sorting office and open Monday to Saturday, mornings only. In display cases they have artifacts of the local Post going back before the invention of the postage stamp.

Visitors to The Isle of Bute always take the view that they couldn't tell from arriving in Rothesay how outstandingly beautiful and varied the island is from their first impressions. Once outside Rothesay, the scenery is outstanding, the wildlife bountiful, the countyside ever-changing and unspoilt by modern developments for buiding, tourism, industry or holiday homes. It is unique and very, very special. So get out of Rothesay! There is an open-top tour bus at 11.00, 01.00 and 03.00 p.m. from Rothesay that tours the whole island. And there are regular service buses up and down the length of the east coast.