The Old Courthouse occupies one of Rothesay's most recognisable buildings — the former courthouse on the High Street. It has been converted into a small hotel with plenty of original character: high ceilings, big windows, and a sense of history that makes it a more memorable choice than a standard seaside guesthouse.

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01

Where it is

The hotel stands on Rothesay's High Street, in the centre of town. The Wemyss Bay ferry pier, the Esplanade, Rothesay Castle, the Winter Gardens, shops, cafés and the bus terminus are all within a few minutes' walk.

This is the most convenient location on the island for a car-free trip: arrive on foot, check in, and walk everywhere you need to go. Buses for Port Bannatyne, Ettrick Bay, Kilchattan Bay and Mount Stuart leave from the pierhead.

Area: Rothesay town centre
Walk to ferry: Under 10 minutes
Character: Converted courthouse
Type: Small hotel

02

What to expect

Rooms vary across the building's original floors and spaces, so expect character rather than cookie-cutter uniformity. The public areas make the most of the historic architecture, and the town-centre location means restaurants, pubs and the seafront are on the doorstep.

It works well for a short break, a weekend event, or a first visit to Bute when you want to be in the middle of things. Like everywhere on the island, summer weekends and event dates sell out — book ahead.

Pale sand and turquoise water on Bute's west coast

03

What's nearby

Rothesay Castle and the Victorian toilets are a short walk, and the West Island Way, Mount Stuart and the west-coast beaches are an easy bus or bike ride away. For a quieter alternative, compare the town with Port Bannatyne, Kilchattan Bay and the west-coast bays in our area guide.

Compare Bute's areas →

A historic building turned hotel, right in the heart of Rothesay.

Where it is

What to expect

What's nearby