Rothesay, The Esplanade 1897
Photo ref: 39837
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Photo ref: 39837
Photo of Rothesay, The Esplanade 1897

More about this scene

Rothesay is the chief town of the County of Bute, and is situated in a well-formed bay, which affords safe anchorage in high wind. A fine esplanade faces the bay, and is laid out with much taste; it commands many beautiful views of Loch Striven. In the centre of the town are the ruins of Rothesay Castle, once a royal residence, and said to have been built about the year 1100.

A Selection of Memories from Rothesay

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Rothesay

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My parents had a holiday cabin (hut) on Bogany Farm when Archie Kirkwood was the farmer. Most of my summer holidays from birth until the mid-70s was spent there Many days were spent fishing for perch and pike at Loch Ascog. Mentored by Archie and Danny; brothers who were skilful anglers. The evenings were spent at campfires with singing, storytelling and shaping our identity. I recall friends ...see more
I last visited Rothesay in 2002. Some of my ancestors hail from there: McArthur families records from 1785. More recently-John was the postal delivery man (horseback) circa 1880, his son, John was the farrier for 50 years in Rothesay, I saw his yard there when I visited. A grandson is /was the postal delivery man in 2002. My grandmother, Rosina McArthur born in Rothesay married John McGairy 1895 then moved to Glasgow. ...see more
My Mother's family all came from Rothesay, but our Family had moved from Port Bannatyne to Glasgow. But every summer we returned to my Granny's place at 3 Logie Place off of High Street, for our annual vacation. Even as young kids we would roam freely, down to the pier for a bit of fishing, or down to childrens corner for a swim, our out in a rowing boat to brave the waves from the steamers, up to the meadows for football or tennis. Happy days.
My family have been on Bute for many hundreds of years but I was born in South Wales...Dad was a master Mariner and died in 1935. I have written a description of boyhood on Bute through the War and this is in the Bute Sons and Daughters Genealogical site. We lived at Ardbeg point all through the war and saw the Subs, Midget Subs, Frogmen, Commandos and landing craft together with the damaged ships being brought ...see more