Event Guide - Isle of Bute and Rothesay

Bute and the islands of the clyde are full of surprises and nowhere in Britain will you find so many varied landscapes in such a small area. Each island town is unique in its own right and hosts their very own festivals and events throughout the year.
As well as its varied festivities the popular Victorian seaside getaway of Rothesay, with its classic seafront promenade, is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Discover Bute by exploring its sandy beaches and coastal walks, play on the challenging golf courses, sample the local produce at many of the lovely restaurants, enjoy a whiskey with the locals in one of the many bars or just take in the spectacular views of the Firth of Clyde. With plenty of events scheduled on the island throughout the year, you are guaranteed to have a fun-filled family trip.
  • June 2017
    Open or Close
    Round Bute Race
    Isle of Bute Sailing Club
    June 24th 2017

    Covering 45 Nautical Miles this boat race takes place around the spectacular waters of Bute. With many classifications everyone has the chance to go home happy at whatever level

    See more about the race here
  • July 2017
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    Bute Fest 2017
    Various island locations
    28th July - 30th July 2017

    Butes only annual music festival is alive with acts from all over the world. See a full rundown of this years music artists on the Bute Fest 2017 Website. You will also find ticket prices and how to book for the Bute Fest 2017
  • August 2017
    Open or Close
    Bute Highland Games
    Rothesay Showground
    August 19th 2017

    Come and enjoy the pure Scottish atmosphere thats to be had at the annual highland Games. Pipers, drummers, dancers, wrestlers and even welly boot throwing are the order of the day at this fantastic family event. More info on the Bute Highland Games
    Bute Open Studio Trail
    Various island locations
    25th August - 28th August 2017

    Discovering the artisans and crafts people of the island is made all the more fun with this fantastic annual event run by the Isle of Butes Artmap Argyll Collective. See more info on the Artmap Argyll website
    Bute Agricultural Society Annual Summer Show
    Showfield, High Street Rothesay
    August 9th - 10.00am - 4.00pm

    This annual event features trade stands, competitions and children entertainment as well as featuring all classes from cattle and sheep to poultry.
    Raft Race
    Isle of Bute Sailing Club
    August 13th - 12pm - 2.30pm
    This event is fast becoming one of Butes favourite events. Organised by Isle of bute sailing club the event attracted a number of teams last year and is hoping for more this year to do battle for the top prize.
    See more about the raft races here
  • September 2017
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    Baird of Bute Festival of flight 2017
    Baird Airstrip
    September 9th 2017

    Celebrating the first flight by Andrew Baird the festival is held at the Baird Airstrip by Ettrick Bay and also at the nearby Mount Stuart Estate. Ceremonial fly-bys and crowds of spectators enjoy the sites of the day while families and children have fun with kites and games. Want to learn more? See the Baird of Bute website
    Bute Cycling Weekend
    Bute Wheelers
    September 16th - 17th 2017

    Bute wheelers cycling event is held every year and attracts cyclists from all over the country. The event includes time trials and road races plus you can enjoy the huge Serpentine Hillclimb with the rest of the crowds. See Bute Wheelers site for more info.