Rothesay Castle

Rothesay Castle
Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland
Rothesay Castle, with the 16th century forework in the centre, and the 13th century "Pigeon Tower" on the right
The 13th century curtain wall seen from the south-east, across the moat. The bases of the south-east and south-west towers can be seen.
Rothesay Castle
Coordinates	55°50′11″N 5°03′18″W / 55.836461°N 5.055041°W / 55.836461; -5.055041
Type	Curtain Wall and Moat
Site information
Owner	Historic Environment Scotland
Controlled by	House of Stuart
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruined
Site history
Built	13thC
Built by	Alan, High Steward of Scotland or Walter Stewart
In use	Until 1660
Materials	Stone

Rothesay Castle is a ruined castle in Rothesay, the principal town on the Isle of Bute, in western Scotland. Located at NS086646, the castle has been described as "one of the most remarkable in Scotland",^[1] for its long history dating back to the beginning of the 13th century, and its unusual circular plan.

The castle comprises a huge curtain wall, strengthened by four round towers, together with a 16th-century forework, the whole surrounded by a broad moat. Built by the Stewart family, it survived Norse attacks to become a royal residence. Though falling into ruin after the 17th century, the castle was repaired by the Marquess of Bute before passing into state care in the 20th century.

A paddle steamer named after the castle was constructed in 1816.