The island was the Stuart of Bute’s (Steward of Bute) family seat and had been held by them since the middle of the 1100’s. This Stuart family is directly descended from King Robert the Bruce by the marriage of his daughter in 1315 to Walter, Stewart of Bute.

Originally built for the Stuarts in 1710; a devastating fire destroyed the central part of the Mount Stuart house in 1877. The 3rd Marquess of Bute took on the ambitious task of rebuilding. Unfortunately, in 1900, he died without completing the project. Major renovations and repairs were undertaken by 6th Marquess and finally, in 1995, opened its doors to the public.

A Victorian Gothic house, this spectacular piece of history enthralls its visitors. The incredible marble, stained glass, and incorporation of the astrological designs wrap guests in the history of the house. Combine these features with the family portraits and you are transported through history.

Set on 300 well-designed and landscaped acres, which includes charming woodlands, the property was created through the vision of the 3rd Earl of Bute. This is the same Earl of Bute that was an advisor on the establishment of Kew Gardens. The Victorian kitchen garden was recreated by the Lord of Bute and includes an octagonal pavilion that is glassed in. In addition, there is a Victorian Pinetum containg conifers from North America, as well as an Arboretum that is a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens and is planted with plants from around the globe.

Finish up the tour with a stroll on the serene and beautiful beach before heading back to the mainland. If you are able, you may want to stay in Rothesay and further explore the island. St Blane’s Chapel and the breathtaking Rothesay Castle are among other places that are worth going to see.

A scant mile from Stevenston’s town center is the Auchenharvie Golf Course. This nine-hole golf course opened in 1983. It was designed so that it can be played as eighteen holes using different tee off positions on the second time around. A relatively easy course, water features have been well incorporated into it.

For those that just want to practice, there is a driving range that can accommodate eighteen people at a time. Whether you want a fast 9-hole game, a more leisurely 18-hole golf game, or want to hit a few buckets to work on your drive; there will be a course (or two) to meet your needs.

A few miles south of Stevenston, near Castlepark, is Western Gailes Golf Club. Founded in 1897, this world-class golf course was formed to provide a seaside golf course for those inland residents that did not want to play with industrial fog hanging over their heads, as well as providing year round golfing. In its early years, a train station was built to allow members an easy trip to the club. Although the train no longer runs, it is still a feature of the golf course.

As with so many golf courses in Ayrshire, Tom Morris was the first groundskeeper. From the formation of the club, the first 9 holes were ready for use about a year later. World War II and Mother Nature have had a hand in the redevelopment of the course. Tank maneuvers took a toll on several holes so, in order to allow for a harbour access road, there was a redesign of the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes.

With several other golf courses in close proximity, if you are a golfer, you will not be at a loss for something to do. Just grab your clubs and head off to a golf course. Before you go though, checks to see what the rules of the club are. The rules may determine what you wear.

Stevenston, Scotland is home to Kerelaw Castle, built in the 12th century. The castle has a very turbulent history. First held by the Lockhart’s who were given a land grant, it was passed to the Campbell’s of Loudoun and then to the Cunninghame’s of Kilmaurs. In 1488, while in the Cunninghame’s possession, the castle was burned to the ground as a result of a feud with the Earl of Eglinton. As an act of vengeance, the Cunninghames burned Eglinton Castle.

Rebuilt in the late 15th century, the castle became the home of the Abbot of Kilwinning. Purchased by Sir Thomas Boyd in 1609, it was quickly sold back to the Cunninghame family. The mid-1600 saw the castle sold to John Hamilton and became the Hamilton family’s home until Alexander Hamilton built Kerelaw House in 1787. At that point the castle was abandoned.

After Alexander’s death in 1838, the property that houses the Kerelaw Castle and Kerelaw House was sold to Gavin Fullerton. North Ayrshire Council has taken over ownership of the Kerelaw Castle ruins and it is a fairly notable tourist attraction. If you are a hardy soul, you may want to explore the woodland upstream from the castle. The woods, glen, river, ancient footbridge, and view are well worth the exploration.

Little is left of the Kerelaw Castle ruins. Three walls remain in varying states of decline. Also surviving is the Gothic windows in the south wall. Kerlaw House was purchased from the Campbell family in 1969 by a private company and was demolished. All that remains is the driveway that led up to the house.

This castle has an incredible amount of history that you can soak up while you visit this bit of the past.

Photo Credit: Dreamer84