Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the Gothic palace of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute.This island is a short distance off the West Coast of Scotland.

Information on Mount Stuart

The building is now a visitor attraction. It was originally conceived by the, extremely wealthy, 3rd Marquess of Bute (1847-1900). This followed destruction by fire of the old Mount Stuart in 1877.

Using the services of Edinburgh architect, Sir Robert  Rowand Anderson, a new, sumptuous, palace emerged. This incorporated the undamaged north and south wings of the old building. The 3rd Marquess took close personal interest in the construction and internal decor of the building.Visitors touring the building interior will view:

• Marble Hall which is constructed of Italian and Sicilian marble and rises to a height of eighty feet.
• Dining Room with its important collection of 18th century portraits.
• Marble Staircase with windows demonstrating, in heraldic form,the Bute family’s genealogical progression.
• Gallery with vault decoration featuring representations of 128 heads of female figures from ancient mythology.
• Horoscope Room and Conservatory. Here can be seen an elaborate astrological ceiling.
• Family Bedroom which contains a frieze depicting scenes from the life of St. Margaret, an 11th century Scottish Queen.
• Lady Bute Room which features a walnut frieze depicting birds and foliage.
• Purple Library, one of three connecting libraries which collectively house some 12,000 books.
• Drawing  Room where the decor reflects heraldry, mythology and the natural world.
• Marble Chapel which combines aspects of French, Spanish and Italian Gothic architecture. The Third Marquess converted to Catholicism in 1873.

The building is surrounded by extensive woodland and pleasure gardens.These areas have been carefully managed from the 1790s onwards. Here can be viewed a rich diversity of colours, plants and trees.

Glasshouse

Woodland

Garden

Woodland Walk

Firth of Clyde View

Woodland

Monument dedicate to the mother of King George III, Augusta, Princess Dowager of Wales.

More information

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on Scotland’s islands.. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland and it’s history. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.