Rothesay Castle

Rothesay Castle is a medieval fortress on the Isle of Bute with an unusual circular plan and sturdy stone walls surrounded by a water-filled moat. Access to the interior comes through an L-shaped gatehouse structure that extends into the moat itself.

The castle fell to Norwegian forces led by Óspakr-Hákon in the early 13th century after a three-day siege during Viking expansion into western Scotland. Later rebuilding and strengthening followed to prepare against future attacks from the sea.

The castle served as a seat of power for island rulers and remains central to how locals view Rothesay as a historical hub. Its walls still speak to visitors about the importance of control and authority that shaped this place over time.

The castle sits within walking distance of Rothesay town center after taking the ferry to the Isle of Bute and is open throughout the year. Parts of the structure may be unstable, so visitors should exercise caution when exploring the ruins and stay on safe paths.

The round shape is remarkably rare among Scottish castles and was deliberately chosen to strengthen defenses and resist siege tactics more effectively. This circular design stands out sharply from the boxy rectangular or square layouts that dominated castle building across the region.