Rothesay Castle

Rothesay Castle is a ruined courtyard castle within a moat on the island of Bute in the Firth of Clyde. It was built by the Stewards in the 13th century and maintained by them as lords and then as a royal castle into the 17th century. Today it is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public for a fee.

The castle consists of a round courtyard with four round towers and a square gatehouse-keep dating to the 16th century, and changed hands a few times in the 14th century before withstanding a siege by the Lord of the Isles in 1462. Strengthened in the 16th century it was taken by treachery and held for Henry VIII in 1544, and eventually part demolished after 1650. Parts were restored in the 19th century by the Marquis of Bute.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database