General view of Esplanade and Fountain, Rothesay, Bute, from NW
DP 101672
Description General view of Esplanade and Fountain, Rothesay, Bute, from NW
Date 28/6/2011
Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
Catalogue Number DP 101672
Category On-line Digital Images
Scope and Content Rothesay grew up around the 13th-century circular Castle, becoming a royal burgh in 1400/1. The town expanded north along the High Street until two major phases of land reclamation in the 18th and 19th century. This shifted the main axis of the town along the shoreline, with the creation of Montague Street (mid- to late 18th century) and Victoria Street (1839-40). Subsequent development of the town took place along the shoreline, particularly as the town’s popularity as a tourist destination grew during the 19th century. The town centre has developed in a fairly ad hoc manner, as with so many historic towns. This has continued into the 21st century with redevelopment of historic buildings such as the Court House and other smaller infill. Following on from the second phase of reclamation, the Esplanade was developed as a pleasure garden for visitors in 1869-72. Built on the site of a former boatyard, this open area retains a series of paths running through and around it, with various flower beds, palms and other ornamental plants. There is also a fountain in a circular pond, seen here, which was built in 1961 and refurbished in the late 2000s. The site of the fountain was originally occupied by a statue memorial, dating from 1884, to Alexander Bannatyne Stewart (1836-80) of Ascog Hall, who was a great benefactor in the town. His statue memorial now stands at the west end of the Esplanade. The Esplanade was developed as an open space for visitors to the town to take the air, and have a bracing stroll alongside the shore. A variety of benches and shelters are still provided throughout the space.
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