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.

Ardrossan’s roots have been traced back as far as about 1140, when Ardrossan Castle was built on Cannon Hill. The castle was seized by the English in 1292 and successfully held until 1296. In that year, the English were lured out of castle and slaughtered by William Wallace. Oliver Cromwell had the castle completely destroyed in 1648. The stones were taken to build a fort in Ayr. Although the castle ruins still exist, they are in an extremely dangerous condition.

Due to the Ardrossan’s port, the town grew during the 1700’s and 1800’s. Pig iron and coal were the chief exports and the town transitioned to a shipbuilding center. It remained a shipbuilding center until foreign competition effectively closed the shipyards in the 1950’s.

Ardrossan has the distinction of being one of the last towns in Scotland to be made a Burgh. This designation occurred in 1846 and was removed in 1974 with the formation of the Strathclyde Regional Council. The town became part of North Ayrshire in 1996 and is now being positioned as the gateway to Arran.

The town in the middle of Three Towns, Saltcoats, received its name from the practice of harvesting sea salt from the waters off the coast. With the industry of “salt panning” declined in the 1900’s, the town became a vacation destination. The tourist industry has thrived as people have discovered the gorgeous beaches and the breathtaking view of Arran across the water.

The town was granted Burgh status in 1528 and that status remained until 1975 when the North Ayrshire Council absorbed it.

First mentioned in 1240, the town of Stevenston is the most southerly town of the Three Towns. An industrial center for many years, with the depletion of coal and the reduction of chemical production, the town has focused on tourism.

The stretch of unique dunes and stunning beaches has proven to be a lure for holiday goers. In addition to the beaches, challenging golf courses provide a draw for tourists. The history of the area, the golf and the beaches all combine to provide an irresistible attraction to many looking for a nice holiday destination.