Proud of our ancient Scottish ancestry

"Our family has a long and intriguing history. Descended from ancient Scottish Kings, it is entirely apt that the family motto - 'Avito Viret Honore' translates as 'he flourishes in an honourable ancestry'."
Johnny Bute, Chairman, The Mount Stuart Trust.

The Stewarts (changed later to the French spelling, Stuart) are direct descendants of King Robert the Bruce. They were an Anglo-Norman family who came to Scotland in the 11th Century and took their name from the ancient office of High Steward of Scotland.

By around 1200, they were in possession of the Lordship of Bute and began to make their mark on Scottish history. In 1298, Sir John Stewart and his Brandanes, the men of Bute, were wiped out fighting alongside Sir William Wallace against the English (a battle depicted in much altered form in the film 'Braveheart'!) However, his family continued to prosper and pass down the name until this very day.

The Stuarts of Bute have been on the Isle of Bute for over 700 years and on the present site for almost three centuries. The family have been prominent in diplomacy, military affairs and politics. They are great benefactors and among the most noted patrons of artists, writers and architects that Britain has ever seen.

Mount Stuart, Britain’s most astounding Victorian gothic house