Discover Bute

The Bute Forest

Rhubodach Forest is an area of, ancient woodland, commercial forest, moorland and coast on the Isle of Bute. In July 2010 Bute Community Land Company (a charitable company owned by the residents of the island) purchased 161 hectares of forest and acquired rights over a further 535 hectares for footpaths, cycle paths and hydro schemes. Right from the start, the purchase of the forest was seen as the first important step in the community taking charge of its own destiny and leading the social … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bute Forest, Discover Bute Tagged With: Bute forest, sawmill, trails, woods

The Castle Gallery

The Castle Gallery was established in 1997 as a vehicle for local art and crafts. In the Spring of 2000, a substantial gallery extension was carried out effectively doubling the available space and allowing solo and group exhibitions to be displayed. The inaugural exhibition was by John Lowrie Morrison with his personal interpretation of the Island of Bute. The success of this exhibition set the pattern for many other shows by individuals and groups over the last eight years. Go to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured Businesses, The Castle Gallery

Picture Bute

Picture Bute is a large shop & print workshop run by professional wildlife photographer Philip Kirkham and his wife Anne in Rothesay. The shop has products from over 29 different Isle of Bute producers, ranging from incredibly detailed water colour paintings to beautifully tactile wooden bowls and writing pens. They offer a wide variety of locally themed gifts and souvenirs both online and in-store. In addition, you can also upload your own photographs to create truly personalised … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured Businesses, Picture Bute

Rothesay’s Victorian Toilets

Only a few steps from the embarkation gangway on Rothesay Pier, Isle of Bute, lies the most impressive surviving late Victorian public convenience in Scotland, if not Britain. Commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899 during Rothesay's hey-day as a holiday resort, the gents lavatory, a most unusual survivor of the Victorian era, was always intended to impress. The interior is magnificient with walls entirely clad in decorative ceramic tiles, ornately patterned in rows. The floors are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Victorian Loos

The West Island Way

The West Island Way was officially opened in 2000 by Janet Street-Porter,the journalist and former president of the Ramblers Association. The route runs the length of the island for about 25 miles (40km) and can be accessed from various points if you want to split the journey. The views of the island and the seascapes are fantastic and make a walk along the route more than worthwhile. The route is now part of the Scotland's Great Trails network. There is an excellent guide to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The West Island Way Tagged With: rambling, walking, west island way, WIW

Mount Stuart House

Visit the gothic splendour of Mount Stuart House This is Britain's most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. Home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart, this magnificent house sits proudly on the Isle of Bute - ancient stronghold of Scottish kings. Although it feels as if you have escaped to a wild and wonderful kingdom, this award-winning historical attraction lies just an hour away from Glasgow. The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Discover Bute, Mount Stuart