Wester Kames Castle

Wester Kames Castle stands near Kames Bay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland. Built around 1700 as a tower house, it once belonged to the Spense family. By the late 19th century only the ground floor survived, part of the Marquess of Bute’s estate. In 1897 the 3rd Marquess commissioned architect Robert Weir Schultz to restore the ruin. Schultz’s careful work created a convincing Baronial tower, blending old and new with a clear line of brickwork marking the join. The restored castle measures 25 by 21 feet and rises four storeys high. A five-storey stair tower rises at the north-west corner, adding to its height. It is recognised as a Category A listed building, placing it among Scotland’s finest historic structures. The rebuilding preserved the original character while giving it new life. The result is a rare example of late 17th-century design revived in the 19th century. Visitors find a compact but striking tower set close to the shore. The exterior shows both the original stonework and the later brickwork, a visible record of its history. Inside, simple stone stairs wind up through narrow rooms. Views across Kames Bay open from the higher floors. Nearby Kames Castle lies just 500 metres to the south, offering another glimpse of Bute’s castle heritage.