What's On

Join us on Easter Sunday for a special tour exploring how the 3rd Marquess of Bute's Christian faith influenced the design of Mount Stuart House.

Developed and led by Mount Stuart Trust Guides, Margaret Ross and Liam Dunnachie, this fascinating 2 hour tour presents an alternative perspective detailing how the architecture and design of the House was inspired by the 3rd Marquess of Bute's devotion to the Christian faith.

This is a unique opportunity to rediscover familiar spaces at Mount Stuart through the prism of Christianity, and is an exclusive chance to view ecclesiastical items from the Bute Collection at Mount Stuart which have rarely been on public display.

Biographies

Margaret Ross is a Glaswegian who moved to Bute 50 years ago. Margaret joined the staff at Mount Stuart when it was a family home in the 1980s, working under the 6th Marquess of Bute. Margaret soon developed a real passion and interest in the history of the House and when an opportunity arose to join the Guide team in 2014, she seized the chance. The rest as they say is history, and Margaret has been captivating Mount Stuart audiences with her tours ever since!

Liam Dunnachie grew up in Glasgow with family links to the Isle of Bute. Liam has a strong interest in history, antiques and architecture and joined the Guide team part-time in 2022. Liam is a qualified British Sign Language teacher and currently works at Rothesay Joint Campus where he supports young people with additional learning needs.

Since working together at Mount Stuart, Margaret and Liam have opened interesting conversations with the wider team, bringing new ideas to the forefront. These conversations prompted Liam to explore the House's design through a different lens, beginning with the depiction of the Days of Creation on the Marble Stair. This set Liam on a journey of discovery related to the 3rd Marquess, his transition in faith, and how this passion is reflected in the structure of the building itself.

The Special Tour is the outcome of months of independent research by Liam and Margaret, supported by Mount Stuart's Archivist, Lynsey Nairn.

Event information

• The event takes place at Mount Stuart House, postcode PA20 9LR
• Parking is available at the visitor car park as normal
• Doors open at 3.10pm for a 3.15pm start
• The tour involves long periods of standing and stairs. Visitors with special access requirements should contact the Mount Stuart team in advance to make arrangements e: contactus@mountstuart.com
• Current Mount Stuart Members are entitled to a discounted ticket rate, please select the Mount Stuart Member option when booking

Tickets

Please book online here.