FORMER crew members of HMS Rothesay returned to the Isle of Bute recently for their annual family gathering, celebrating a bond with the island that has endured for decades and paying tribute to shipmates past and present.
The group, made up of veterans who served aboard HMS Rothesay between 1960 and 1988, gathered at the commemorative bench on Rothesay promenade that they funded and installed as a lasting reminder of the ship’s close association with the town and its people.
The bench was the culmination of a four-year fundraising effort by former crew members, who not only succeeded in creating a permanent memorial but also raised more than £6,000 for local causes.
Donations from the project included £2,400 to Achievement Bute, £1,000 to Bute Museum, £700 to Rothesay Schools Garden Development Fund and £200 to Isle of Bute Resilience, with the remaining funds contributing towards the installation of the commemorative bench itself.
Speaking at the gathering, former crew members reflected on the purpose of the memorial.
A spokesperson for the group said: “As some of the crew members gather here today, we pay homage to the officers, NCOs and ratings who served on HMS Rothesay from 1960 until 1988 and show our appreciation to the people of Rothesay and the Isle of Bute for the warm welcome we always received during our many visits to the island.
“Our names may not be etched in stone, but our legacy lives on through this humble seat – a place where stories are whispered and bonds remain unbroken.”
Overlooking Rothesay Bay, the bench has become a focal point for remembrance and reflection.
The dedication describes it as more than a simple structure, serving as a bridge connecting the past and present, ship and shore, sailor and civilian.
Each year the veterans and their families gather at the bench for a short service, offering a blessing, observing a minute’s silence and remembering absent friends as well as those currently serving in conflict zones around the world.
The group then continues its celebrations with a visit to Macs Bar, where they thanked George Ross and his staff for their hospitality and warm welcome.
The annual family weekend has become a cherished tradition and this year’s event marked the third such gathering on the island, allowing former sailors to bring family members and friends to experience the place that remains so important to them.
Their weekends begin almost as soon as they step off the ferry, with members meeting at The Grapes Bar for a chance to renew friendships forged during naval service.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, members raised a toast to the King, the late Queen Elizabeth, HMS Rothesay and their absent friends.
The former crew members say they intend to continue the Bute tradition for many years to come, grateful for the warm reception they continue to receive from island residents and the friendships they have built over the years.
With another successful reunion completed, attention has already turned to next year’s gathering in May.
