Emma Spending a penny surrounded by Victorian history
The Victorians left an immense legacy, one of which can be found just as you step off the ferry at Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The Victorian toilets at Rothesay may not be your usual heritage stop, but this one links with the transportation you have just stepped off.
These toilets were built in 1899 mainly to facilitate the male passengers coming off the regular steamboats from Glasgow carrying holidaymakers. Many of the travellers would avail themselves of the onboard hospitality and therefore needed to take care of themselves once onto dry land.
The popularity of these steamer trips was mostly due to an 1853 law which prohibited the sale of alcohol on a Sunday in Scotland, however, paddle steamers were exempt from this law and well you can see how that went!
This B listed building houses toilets which are clad in patterned ceramic tiles and mosaics bearing the crest of the Royal Burgh of Rothesay.
Twenty urinals in white porcelain and green marble are fed by three glass-walled cisterns mounted near the ceiling.
The toilets were refurbished in 1994 to their former glory.
Remember that these are working public toilets, plus, sadly only the gentleman’s toilet is lavishly decorated.
Where to find Rothesay Victorian Toilets
Pier/Esplanade, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 0AH
Looking for other unusual things to see, click here or on the photo below.
