The next few articles will focus on the Town of Rothesay itself, mainly on the half-century surrounding World War 1 when the resort was at the peak of popularity, although there will be some later views. This first part is an album of views of the eastern part of the town. The next will cover the front, and the third part, the western shore to Ardbeg.

Rothesay around 1865 (Annan)

Rothesay around 1930 (Adamson)

A good place to start is the Albert Memorial Fountain on the front, at the bottom of Bishop Street. It was erected by public subscription in 1863 after the death of the Prince Consort two years earlier.

Opening of the Albert Memorial Fountain

Looking north from Albert Place around 1894, the impressive Duncan’s Halls, erected in 1876, provided a public space for meetings and functions. The building also sported the entrance to the Palace Theater that was located to the rear. The popular Brescian Family were in residence when the photograph was taken

 

One of the stars of the Brescian Family that year was Florence Hayward singing “Come Back to Me,” accompanied by her brother Charles Flavell Hayward on the violin. A younger sister, Annette, was also popular

Some entertainment was also to be had on occasion at Albert Pier

Some of the older housing at the corner of East Princes Street and Bishop Terrace Brae was replaced by Lady Mary Mansions around 1905

The fountain around 1910

Another view looking along East Princes Street towards Craigmore

Albert Place and Albert Pier around 1870. Marquis of Bute is in the outer harbour

Albert Place and the outer harbour around 1910

Albert Place and Albert Pier before World War 1

Along to the road to Craigmore is Battery Place, the site of a gun battery in Napoleonic times

Battery Place

Rothesay Aquarium was opened in 1876 and provided an attraction for thirty years. It then served as a museum and dance hall before becoming an indoor swimming baths, and later residential flats

The Breadalbane Boarding House next to the Aquarium

On Glenburn Road on the hill behind the aquarium was Rothesay Hydro, Glenburn House, opened in 1843

“Hydro burned down.—A Rothesay correspondent telegraphs that the Glenburn Hydropathic Establishment, about a mile from Rothesay, caught fire last night, and, owing to the fresh breeze and the difficulty of procuring water, the north-west wing was speedily enveloped in flames. The guests, numbering a hundred, were conveyed at once to the hotels, and their effects were rescued by a crowd of people attracted to the scene. The fire burned from seven o’clock to about nine, when the building was doomed. The proprietors are a limited company, and the building and contents, valued £60,000, were partiaily insured. No person was injured.”—July 11, 1891

Viceroy passing the new Glenburn Hydro and Aquarium (Poulton) 

Glenburn Hydro

Glenburn Hotel

Returning to Albert Place and showing the bottom of Bishop Street

Bishop Street and the Post Office

Further up Bishop Street, the Serpentine Brae leads up the hillside to the east. This view looks along Castle Street to the ruin of Rothesay Castle, and dates from 1929.

Little changed in the 1950s. The church on the left-hand side had a roof collapse in 1907.

East United Free Church roof collapse on August 29, 1907

Another view of the collapse

From the inside of the church.

At the top of the Serpentine Brae, the Co-operative movement had a camp for many years.

Accommodation at the U.C.B.S Camp

C0-0p Camp Rothesay

Flagpole at the Co-op Camp

The putting green at the Co-op Camp

Tents at the Co-op Camp

Rothesay Golf Course also stretches over the hill with magnificent views of the Bay and the Firth

Contemplating the next hole

A fine view of Loch Striven