Welcome to Rothesay

Rothesay is located on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, which lies south of the Cowal Peninsula overlooking the Firth of Clyde, in the county of Buteshire, approximately 423 miles north-north-west of London and 30 miles west of Glasgow.

The town has a population of around 6,000. Administratively it is within the unitary council region of Argyll and Bute which covers an area of approximately 6,900 sq kms and which has a population of around 91,000.

The island's only town, it is a seaside resort mostly built around its harbour, which is a haven for leisure craft and small fishing boats, with beaches extending to the north. Narrow streets of terraced cottages cluster around the ruins of Rothesay's 13th-century castle which is the town's most notable historic building. The town, which is a popular base for walkers and observers of wildlife, is linked to the mainland by ferry to Wemyss Bay.

The town's history dates from the 13th century when the castle was built, surrounded by a moat. Rothesay castle was burned down in 1685, remaining in ruins until  restoration was begun by the Marquess of Bute in the 19th century, and completed in the 1960s. King Robert III gave the town its Royal Burgh status in 1400. During the 19th century the town was a popular Victorian seaside destination. The town has a long association with the Royal family; the heir to the throne has always been known as the Duke of Rothesay, a tradition which continues with Prince Charles today.

Economically, the service industry, including tourism, is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 69% of all workers.