Organised jointly with The Alexander Thomson Society, we will go on a walking tour in Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, to explore Victorian and early 20th century architecture. Following the introduction of steamers, Rothesay became one of the pre-eminent tourist destinations on the Clyde for holidaymakers and day trippers. The guided tour will involve entry to a number of key buildings of this period of time.

The tour will start at the newly renovated Wemyss Bay Station (1903-1904, James Miller) in Inverclyde, before crossing with the Calmac Ferry to Rothesay. Leaving Rothesay terminal, we will walk to the Winter Gardens (1923), a glasshouse with significant ironwork from the Saracen Foundry, and then explore the villa neighbourhood on the south side of the bay, including: Tor House (1855, A. Thomson); ongoing conservation works at Rothesay Castle (12th -16th century), unique in Scotland with its circular plan; and a guided visit of the Rothesay Pavilion (1936-38, J. and J.A. Carrick), an unusual reinforced concrete masterpiece which is currently undergoing conservation works. For those interested, the tour will be finished with a visit to Mount Stewart (1879-1880, R.R. Anderson), using the regular bus service from the ferry terminal.