Isle of Bute, Scotland

July 8, 2026

We visited the Isle of Bute today. We took the zodiacs in to the town of Rothesay.

We then met our guide for a walking tour around town.

We first visited the Rothesay Victorian Toilets. These well-preserved toilets are probably the most complete Victorian toilets in Great Briain. They remain open to the public both as a tourist attraction and a public toilet.

We then explored the town.

The Winter Gardens (Bute Discovery Center)

Rothesay's Coat of Arms

Rothesay Fountain

Highland Boundary Arch - Boundary between the highlands and lowlands of Scotland.

Rothesay Town Bells

The medieval Rothesay castle even had a moat surrounding it! The circular design of the castle is unique.

We were able to enter the castle ruins and explore.

Next to the remains of the indoor chapel was a bird which appeared to be injured. Our group notified the castle crew so they could get help for it.

Brent climbed the courtyard stairs to explore the upper level.

The old dove cote had many small niches for the pigeons that once lived there.

Birds have found many places to nest and explore in the old castle.

After the castle, we walked to the Bute Museum which had many different displays of both natural history and the archaeological history of the area.

This piece of slate is inscribed with a scene believed to show the capture by armed men of a member of the religious community that lived in the area - possibly a recording of Viking raids or other raiders.

Many of the artifacts discovered at Rothesay Castle can be found in the museum.

Neolithic remains have been found on the Isle of Bute.

The MacAlister Stone was the shaft of cross from the early Christian communities on Bute.

This beautiful necklace was also found in the Inchmarnock Cyst

The museum had an extensive taxidermy collection of native Scottish animals.

After the visit to the museum, we walked back to the dock and took a Zodiac back to the ship. On the way back, we spied a black guillemot skimming across the water.

Once back in the room, we saw our room steward had folded a beautiful butterfly.