After a long week of sunshine in Glasgow - no seriously - we decided to have a long weekend away travelling down to Wemyss Bay and catching the Cal Mac ferry over to the Isle of Bute. Lorna had been waiting on a chance to tour the Gothic mansion, Mount Stuart in Rothesay. So many people had told us about the house and the gardens and in this weather, it seems the perfect excuse. Whilst there we could adventure beyond the usual pub crawl around Rothesay - a favourite impromptu booze cruise in our younger days.
Again an early start from Glasgow and a stock up on supplies from McCaskies Butchers across from the Cal Mac ferry terminal. This butcher is a bit of a local, if not national, legend, and I would highly recommend a stop if passing. We needed eggs, bacon and thick steaks for some Campervan cooking.
After departing the ferry, our first stop is into the Isle of Bute Discovery and Visit Scotland just off the Pier. The centre, housed in Rothesay's famous 1924 Winter Garden, houses a fascinating free multi-media exhibition, introducing you to the Island. It’s fantastic, a great space which doubles as the local cinema and a walk down memory lane. Rothesay would have been a holiday destination for many Glaswegians or at least a place to visit during the traditional Glasgow ‘Fair’. The artefacts and information within the centre are excellent. The staff was super friendly and very informative. With the Co-Pilot loaded up on leaflets and knowledge, we set off a walk into town with one eye on our afternoon appointment at Mount Stuart.
Rothesay, unfortunately, is like many seaside towns in Scotland, still trying to catch tourists and day-trippers when it is so easy for people to jump on a plane and go to Europe for a weekend. I do think that’s changing though or is it I’m getting older? We have such brilliant restaurants and facilities opening-up all around the country people are seeing even more value in Scotland.
We love that there were so many small businesses doing some great things. From my point of view, there were several charity shops and antique furniture places, enough to keep me amused and bargain-hunting. So with a few wee purchase and a bg full off old school sweeties, we head off for the afternoon tour of Mount Stuart House.
Mount Stuart itself is indescribable, the luxury and decadence from even just the entrance hall perfectly set the expectations. We had a brilliant young local girl as a tour guide. She was excellent, handled the group very well, dealt with all questions and made the trip informative and fun. When you go, I would highly recommend getting the tour, it makes a huge difference. We then wandered the magnificent gardens ,cruising along. Even the gardens are magnificent, particularly at this time of year, and we spent a few hours just milling around aimlessly in the sun.
Tonight we are heading to the other side of the island and the sandy beach of Ettrick Bay. It's a short drive very straightforward and pleasant to see something out with the main town. When we get there, it is busy with families, one of two other campervans and others camping for the night. The beach has a great atmosphere, with everyone enjoying the sunshine and the kids the freezing water!! Some courageous wee souls with no fear running straight in - oh for those days. Tonight I was cooking up our steaks with some fine tunes watching the sunset. We had a wee campfire on the go but made sure to leave no trace—absolutely magical day. It’s worth noting Ettrick Bay Tea Room, a great place just off the beach was serving hot food and drinks.
Up early and after a long beach walk with mugs of coffee, we headed around to Kerrycroy for breakfast. A really cool wee village with a beautiful beach and very cool houses we made the eggs and prepared to head back into town and visit the Castle before the ferry back to the mainland.
You know for all the years of visiting Rothesay I never knew they had a Castle - and what a castle it is. Its £6 entry or free with a Visit Scotland membership, another reason to join. Perhaps a great Christmas gift idea? I thoroughly enjoyed the castle and its design with drawbridge, moat etc. It really look the part.
Sadly it was time to call it quits and head back to the big smoke. Not before a fish tea down the front duelling with the local seagull gang. If you haven’t been to Rothesay for a while, make the time and travel out of town. It really hasn’t lost any of its charms.
We will be particularly watching out for Butefest , a music festival held round beside Ettrick Bay. Looks like a must-visit.
