What's On
The Island of Bute, once the stronghold of Scottish kings, is known as the “Jewel of the Clyde” with good reason. Only fifteen miles long and three miles wide, there are fine beaches at Ettrick Bay, Scalpsie Bay (with a resident seal colony), Kilchattan Bay and St. Ninians Bay. The scenery at Kingarth is particularly fine. The Island also has deer, a rich and varied bird life and some large hares. Wild goats with large curled horns can be seen in the north of the Island.
The Royal Burgh of Rothesay is the main town on the island, with buildings dating mainly from Victorian times and on the pier is the most impressive surviving Victorian public convenience in Britain!
The Art Deco Bute Discovery Centre of 1924 face the Hotel, with views across the Firth to Knockdow, Loch Striven and the mainland.
Ascog Fernery and Gardens is now fully restored and re-opened in 1997. This impressive Victorian Fernery is the only one of its kind in Scotland. It has been replanted with fern species from around the world and is open mid-April until mid-October.
Mount Stuart, home to the Stuarts of Bute, is a magnificent Gothic Mansion, seated in 300 acres of splendid gardens. Although still a family home, Mount Stuart is open to visitors daily from 1st March to 30th October. Stella McCartney, fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney, chose the unique Marble Chapel at Mount Stuart for her wedding in August 2003.
Prince Charles is the Duke of Rothesay and a frequent visitor to the island.
For the golfer, the Rothesay Golf Club course offers a challenge and some stunning scenery. The Island has two other courses at Kingarth and Port Bannatyne. All inclusive golf packages - for more information please contact us. For something a little different why not try Petanque.
In August each year there is the Bute Highland Games, one of the major events on the Highland Games Calendar.
In the summer, the paddle steamer Waverley is a regular visitor.
St Blanes Chapel lies in a beautiful and peaceful spot overlooking Dunagoil to the south of the island. St Blane was born on Bute in the 6th century, educated in Ireland and returned to the island to establish his monastery. The graveyard contains the graves of 7th and 8th century bishops and abbots.
As well as sea fishing, angling for trout, pike and perch is available on Loch Fad, Loch Quien and Loch Ascog. We can supply a sporting package, including fishing permits, catering, drying areas, refrigerated storage and transport.
For sailors, the new inner harbour marina with 40 berths offers excellent shelter, while there are 40 moorings in the bay. There is also excellent berthing at the Port Bannatyne Marina.
Rothesay most beautiful in Scotland - official!
Beating off competition from 74 towns, Rothesay won the coveted Rosebowl Trophy and there was a Special Endeavour Award for St. Andrews Primary School.
MP Jim Maither commented 'Rothesay really is the Jewel of the Clyde!