Bute Holidays

The historic village of Kingarth lies to the south of the island and north of Kilchatten bay. It was once the religious centre of Cenél Comgaill, one of the kindred’s of Dal Riata, which was a Gaelic over-kingdom back in the early 6th Century. So this really is a place steeped in history.
Today it is a sleepy place with stunning vistas and wildlife all around and its also home to the Kingarth Hotel and Smiddy Bar. This is a very popular watering hole with the locals and many tourists who come to the island.

The Kingarth Hotel was established back in the 1700's but its food and service are definitely that of today’s high standards. This fabulous country inn serves an array of tasty dishes throughout the day as well as producing its own ale.
There are many different seating options and areas in which to enjoy your meal.

They also offer bed and breakfast for those of you wishing to stay over night and enjoy the charms of this comfortable inn.

www.kingarthhotel.co.uk

The chapel lies roughly 8.5 miles south of Rothesay and 2 miles of Kingarth. It lies in a sheltered hollow around 150 feet above sea level with breathtaking views of the sea and the Arran.

The southern most village on the isle of Bute is Kilchatten Bay. It is reached along the coast road via a steep hill known as Suidhe Chatten. This hill is said to help shield the village from the prevailing westerly winds. From the south of this small village you will reach the start of the famous "West Island Way" This route leads along the shore and past the lighthouse which is the southern most point of the island.

It is named after the bishop, Saint Cathan, who established a religious settlement at the site back in AD 539. He was the uncle of St. Blane who had a chapel made in his honour in the 12th Century the ruins of which still exist south of the village.

The village started life as a row of fisherman's houses but back in the late 1800's and early 1900's Kilchatten Bay enjoyed some of the attention that its neighbour Rothesay brought. It has iota own wooden pier and would welcome many day-trippers to its shore, as it was a port of call for the steamers.

Today it’s like popping back in time. There is still the local shop and post office not to mention the beautiful sandy bay which sweeps up to the north - Known locally as the "wee bay"