If you explore the island away from Rothesay you will find that a few small settlements exist dotted about the island.

Kerrycroy

Kerrycroy Village

Maria North, the English wife of the second Marquess of Bute, who was inspired by the model of an English village, designed Kerrycroy — this peaceful village, with fine sandy bay and stone pier.

St Blane's Chapel

Kingarth
Not so much a village as a country hotel/pub (the Kingarth, funnily enough)  and a collection of cottages and farms just  south of  Kilchattan Bay. A short drive to south on the Dunagoil Road is a mysterious standing stone circle from the Bronze Age, the Dunagoil vitrified fort from the Iron Age and early Christian monastic remains dedicated to St Blane who was born on the island.

Kilchattan Bay

Kilchattan Bay

The village of Kilchattan Bay lies in a sheltered bay at the southern end of Bute. You could spend a day here on the pink sands or explore the start of the West Island Way and walk around the south end of the island. St Blanes Hotel sits on the shore if you fancy a pub lunch.

Port Bannatyne

Port Bannatyne

The village has a colourful history. At the turn of the 19th century it was a busy port of call for Clyde puffers and passenger ships. During the Second World War midget submarines exercised in the bay and nearby Loch Striven before setting off to engage in battle with the German warship, Tirpitz. Today the port is a haven for visiting yachtsman, golfers and water sports enthusiasts. There’s a vibrant cafe/post office, a fish restaurant and a couple of pubs.