The Isle of Bute - Eilean Bhoid - Fire Island

Looking for that “Time Out” Feeling? You’ll find it everywhere on Bute! Rugged landscape that is just begging to be explored either by bike or by foot. Quiet and peaceful bays with secluded beaches that are just perfect for splashing around, spotting wildlife or just chilling out. Lochs packed with all sorts of fish making it every fisherman’s dream and golf courses that will test even the most experienced of driver.
Once recharged and regenerated you will find beautiful and idyllic seaside resorts and villages, fabulous neogothic architecture, stunning gardens and many Victoriana sites and historical reminders of its celebrated past.
There are two ferries serving Bute so its your choice whether you sail from Colintraive or Wemyss Bay
Lying in the Firth of Clyde on the west of the mainland holiday resorts of Largs and the island of Millport, the Isle of Bute is a stunning destination that snuggly fits in the hand of the Cowal Peninsula and is surrounded by the many lochs and islands of Argyll. It is best placed for island hopping and tours of mainland Scotland and is a firm favourite with tourists for short breaks, long holidays or a trip back to a time when life was less complicated.
Rothesay Views
Only 90 minutes from the City of Glasgow and with a mainline train station at Wemyss Bay it is easy to reach the island by ferry. The island is small at only 15 miles by 4 miles but has an enormous and extremely interesting history.  Rothesay, the only town on the east coast is home to most of the population and boasts some of the islands main tourist attractions such as Rothesay Castle. The castle is one of the best examples of medieval architecture still surviving in Scotland and was the ancestral home of the Stuart Kings of Scotland. Built by the High Steward of Scotland (from which Stuart was derived) the castle has withstood many invasions including that of the Vikings, English troops (1311) Oliver Cromwell (1659) and finally the Duke of Argyll (1685). The past 100 years has seen the castle largely restored and it is definitely an unmissable part of a trip to Bute.

Mount Stuart - The Stuart family, under the 2nd Earl of Bute, built and moved to Mount Stuart House in the 1800’s. After a fire destroyed part of the House in 1877 it was rebuilt by the 3rd Marquis of Bute and was hailed as one of the most amazing examples of Victorian Gothic Mansions in the land. This is still the case today and is the reason why Mount Stuart attracts many visitors and romantics year after year. At the turn of the last century the island was also a haven for the Victorian’s and it still retains the same charm and facade of this classic era but look a bit further and you will find a collection of modern bars, cafes, pubs, and restaurants as well as many beautiful and well maintained hotels, B & B's and holiday apartments. In-fact back in 2003 Stella McCartney chose this picturesque island for her romantic wedding to Alasdhair Willis, of course Mount Stuart House was the venue. Other names that have lived on or been linked with the island include Lord Attenborough, the award winning Film Director /Actor, Shakespearean Actor Edmund Kean, Singer Lena Zavaroni and actress Blythe Duff.


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The Isles and Argyll are the epicentre of Scotland and the focus of much of its interesting and diverse historical past.
From this wonderful part of the world you can enjoy the charm and seclusion of rural life and villages while enjoying the natural and rugged beauty that is around every corner. Glimpses of Eagles, Osprey, Whales, Seals and Dolphins are the norm as is fun and laughter with the friendly, helpful locals. The isle of Bute is a spectacular area of outstanding beauty and its only 90 mins from Glasgow.
Bute and its Capital Rothesay are enjoying a renewed interest with locals and mainland dwellers alike re-discovering the beauty that is on their doorstep.
Its difficult to believe that in just over an hour you can leave the hustle and bustle of city life in Glasgow only to be transported to an idyllic island setting surrounded by breathtaking beauty and nature.
If you have the urge to travel abroad but don't have the budget to do so or you just fancy a few days of piece and quiet then we recommend re-visiting and re-discovering this wonderful and engaging island.