Perfect time to see the bonnie bluebells bloom

Rothesay, Bute, PA20 9LR

WHY WE SHOULD VISIT

Mount Stuart is one of Scotland’s treasures. Built in the late 19th century by the 3rd Marquess of

Bute on the burnt-out remains of an 18th century mansion, it is an architectural flight of fancy, filled with extraordinary artwork and designed on a scale that has seldom been repeated.

It was the first home in Scotland to have electric light, a lift, a heated indoor swimming pool and central heating, all of which still work today. It sits on the edge of the Clyde, amongst 300 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds that are filled with important collections of plants and trees.

STORY OF THE GARDEN

The gardens at Mount Stuart were developed when the first mansion was built on the site and soon space was being made within the grounds for the exciting new plant discoveries that were pouring into Britain from North America and the Orient.

Plant hunting has been carried on by several generations of the

Bute family and the gardens contain plants that they have brought back from their travels. Pine trees have been a particular interest and there are now more than 800 mature trees spread between two pinetums, which form part of a network of conservation sites dedicated to preserving rare conifers.

The gardens were developed through the Victorian era and more recently a number of famous garden designers, including

James Alexander Sinclair, who also designed Horatio’s Garden surrounding the National Spinal Unit at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, have contributed to the cultivated spaces that exist today.

HIGHLIGHTS

From views across the Clyde to some of the tallest trees in the UK, Mount Stuart has many spectacular features but in May the spotlight turns on the woods, which are filled with wild flowers of all kinds but especially bluebells, which fill the air with their wild hyacinth scent.

The huge Kitchen Garden, which grows fresh produce for the estate cafe, is also surrounded by fragrant flowers and at its centre is a glass pavilion which is home to tender species.

DON’T MISS

The sprawling Rock Garden was designed by esteemed landscape architect Thomas Mawson. It is situated by the west front of the house, with vibrant colours, contrasting textures and tranquil ponds expertly scattered across a two-acre slope. The selection of Asian plants gathered by Jennifer Bute and the 6th Marquess are the stars of the show – particularly the evergreen Magnolia doltsopa, which is now 20ft high.

ANYTHING ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR

At around five acres, the Wee Garden isn’t actually that wee. It’s a celebration of diverse flora, with plants from the Southern Hemisphere and a sundial centrepiece nestled amongst the greenery.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

In May, the rhododendrons are in flower and the unspoilt countryside that surrounds Mount Stuart is at its best.

Sunlight still filters through the woodlands on the estate before the canopy closes over and the flower borders are just getting into their stride. In summer, the woods get darker, the flowers are brighter and the Kitchen Garden spills over with ripening produce.

ANY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE AREA?

Bute’s unique geology and long record of human habitation, from the neolithic period onwards, make the island a fascinating study for lovers of history and of the natural world and Bute Museum is home to many of the artefacts that have been unearthed during archaeological excavations. Here too you can find out about the abundance of wildlife and about the native flowers that flourish along raised beaches, open moorland and in the ancient woodland that still exists on the island.

DIRECTIONS

Mount Stuart is five miles south of Rothesay. West Coast Motors operates a regular bus service from Guildford Square (490/90)

DETAILS

Tel: 01700 503877 www.Mount stuart.com Contactus@mountstuart.com