📌 Rothesay, Isle of Bute
★★
Next to the road out of Rothesay to the south is an interesting, late 18th century church with an equally interesting graveyard. The interior of the United Church of Bute contains 8 ornate stained glass windows and a Dutch chandelier from around 1800. Just outside, the newly re-roofed St Mary’s Chapel dates from the 14th century and formerly served as the parish church for the northern half of the island (the southern half was covered by St Blane’s). What still remains is the former chancel, containing two impressive stone tombs to persons unknown: the carvings are of a knight and a lady. The extensive graveyard surrounding both buildings contains some intricate gravestones detailing many local family names and even a relative of Napoleon. And then there’s Bute Mausoleum at the north end, resting place of some of the early Earls of Bute – including a former UK prime minister.
🌍 Location
📌 Inside United Church of Bute graveyard, Townhead, 20-min walk south of Rothesay town centre, Isle of Bute. St Mary’s Chapel is at:
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 086637
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.828625,-5.057273
🚌 Bus stops outside church | 🚢 Ferry to Rothesay (1 mi)
🚗 Street parking
📝 Key info
⌚ Chapel open Saturday to Wednesday. Church: daily, Easter to September; Mondays 10am-noon (entry by lower side door), October to Easter
🎫 Free
🔗 Chapel: historicenvironment.scot | Church: unitedchurchofbute.org.uk
