A small island, a busy summer.
Bute and the islands of the Clyde are full of surprises — varied festivals and events run from the start of the season through to the autumn. Below is a guide to the regular yearly fixtures; check organisers' websites for the current year's dates.
- 01June
Round Bute Race
Isle of Bute Sailing ClubA 45-nautical-mile yacht race around the spectacular waters of Bute. Multiple classifications, so everyone has a chance to take something home.
roundbuterace.org → - 02July
Bute Fest
Various island locationsBute's annual music festival — a long weekend of live acts from across the UK and beyond, in fields and venues around the island.
butefest.co.uk → - 03August
Bute Highland Games
Rothesay ShowgroundPipers, drummers, dancers, wrestlers and (yes) welly-boot throwing. The most thoroughly Scottish day in the calendar — and a brilliant family event.
butehighlandgames.org → - 04August
Bute Agricultural Society Summer Show
Showfield, High Street, RothesayTrade stands, competitions, children's entertainment, and every farm class from cattle and sheep to poultry. 10am–4pm.
- 05August
Open Studio Trail
Various island locationsA long-running event run by Artmap Argyll — open studios across the island, with the chance to meet the artists, makers and craftspeople of Bute.
artmapargyll.co.uk → - 06August
Raft Race
Isle of Bute Sailing ClubOne of Bute's favourite events — homemade rafts, a short course, and a great deal of cheering from the shore.
- 07September
Baird of Bute Festival of Flight
Baird Airstrip & Mount StuartCelebrating the first powered flight of Andrew Baird. Ceremonial fly-bys, kites, games and a family day at the airstrip beside Ettrick Bay.
bairdofbute.com → - 08September
Bute Cycling Weekend
Bute WheelersTime trials, road races and the famous Serpentine Hill Climb — a long weekend that draws cyclists from across the country.
butewheelers.org.uk →