It can be reached by a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Wemyss Bay, which also offers an onward rail link to Glasgow Central Station.

At the centre of the town is the 13th-century ruin Rothesay Castle, unique in Scotland for its circular plan.

The castle has long stood in ruins, but it is nevertheless picturesque, and was a focal point for tourists as soon the town began developing into a seaside resort.

The Winter Gardens building, erected in 1923, was a centre of many activities in Rothesay in the mid-20th century, hosting some of the best-known music hall entertainers of the day.

It was an example of International Modernist style architecture, and was designed by the Ayr architect, James Andrew Carrick.

Although it later fell into disrepair, it remains a major landmark on the seafront today, and is currently undergoing a complete restoration.

[12] 0The heir to the British throne (currently William, Prince of Wales) is known in Scotland as the Duke of Rothesay.

This practice was begun in the late 14th century by Robert III of Scotland, who regularly resided at Rothesay Castle, and first granted the title to his son David in 1398.

That is because control of the land was instead given to Robert III's half-brother and to the latter's descendants, who acquired the title Marquess of Bute in the 18th century.

The current marquess remains the main landlord of the island; his principal seat, Mount Stuart, lies a few miles to the south of Rothesay Castle.

(In the 19th century, the town had a different football club called the Bute Rangers F.C., which competed for the Scottish Cup.)

For bowling enthusiasts, Bute boasts four greens: Ardbeg, Craigmore, Kingarth and Rothesay.

Like the rest of Scotland — and the British Isles in general - Rothesay has a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters.