This early photograph of the recently completed Esplanade shows the layout with the Russell Bandstand, donated by Thomas Russell and manufactured at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow. On the hill is the old Academy building, with the West and St John’s Churches on the front. On the extreme right and in the distance can be seen the headquarters of the Rothesay Aquatic Club established in the 1870s. (P03-2738, B13.59)
