Things to do every season of the year on the Isle of Bute
Recommended by local NikkiBute offers year-round attractions, blending natural beauty with a welcoming community and rich cultural heritage. Each season reveals a new side to the island!
Winter
December - March- Wildlife: Spot seals around Ettrick Bay or catch sight of migratory birds along the shoreline. You can see plenty of deer peeking out at you from the trees, too.
- Natural Habitat Exploring: Take a crisp coastal walk at Scalpsie Bay or any of the beaches or along the West Island Way, where winter light creates dramatic views.
• Look out for the aurora borealis and the many pictures of it online – we do get some cool lights.
• Visit Bute Museum for an indoor exploration of the island’s rich history and archaeology. - Events: Enjoy seasonal celebrations and Christmas markets in Rothesay at Bute Yard, the 292 club, the winter gardens – check Facebook ‘Bute’ pages to find out what is on where, as times and dates vary – also the switching on of the Christmas lights in Port Bannatyne and Rothesay.
- Activities: Stargazing on clear nights; winter skies on Bute are excellent for spotting constellations – we sure do have dark skies!
Spring
March - June- Flora & Fauna: Witness a carpet of blooming bluebells in ancient woodlands like those around Mount Stuart or Loch Fad.
- Wildlife: Spring is prime for observing otters, red squirrels, and nesting seabirds.
- Events: Attend early-season garden tours at Mount Stuart Estate as its grounds awaken with colour.
- Bute is starting to awaken, with colour, life, warmth, and the tourist season ready to roll.
- Natural Habitat Exploring: Hike through the West Island Way for fresh greenery and springtime blossoms.
- Foody Events: Sample local produce in the restaurants and cafes. Bute Yard hosts a variety of events, including food festivals, live music, and family gatherings.
Summer
June - September- Wildlife: Watch seals, otters, birds and porpoises from boat tours around Bute’s coastline.
- Events: Experience ButeFest, a lively music and arts festival that brings the community and visitors together.
- Art Exhibitions: Visit pop-up galleries or explore artist studios during summer open-house events. There are many around the island and the IBAC arts trail.
- Activities: Go kayaking or paddle boarding in Killchatten and Ettrick Bay, or enjoy cycling – we have hired power bikes from the pier by Bike Bute.
- Foody Events: Attend seafood nights at local eateries or enjoy outdoor picnics with Bute cheese and locally sourced delicacies. Many events take place in Bute Yard, which is open all day round.
- Out and about – the island is bute-iful – enjoy the weather – the beach, the sea, the walks, the pubs and have a bucket and spade summer.
Autumn
September - December- Flora & Fauna: Enjoy autumn foliage in the grounds of Mount Stuart or walks in the woods around the Island – Ardencraig gardens are lovely all year round.
- Wildlife: Red deer rutting season peaks in early autumn – listen for their calls in quieter areas of the island – always seals and otters.
- Events: Take part in community harvest festivals at Bute Yard and local pubs.
- Walks – many crisp walks as the weather changes – we have the Forest with walks and trails that are great to get air in this weather.
- Activities: Mushroom foraging with local guides and enjoying warming meals in Rothesay’s cafes and pubs.
Explore the Isle of Bute
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Bike Bute
Welcome to Bike Bute – Scotland’s first island-based community e-bike scheme!
Whether you’re a Brandane, or have come for a short visit, our hire bikes are...
Recycling Centre
Colbeck Lane
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 0RB
Tel: 01700 503181
Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver
Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...
15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641
Mount Stuart Trust
Mount Stuart features magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and design together with contemporary craftsmanship. The house is surrounded by extensive gro...
Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
PA20 9LR
Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
Isle of Bute in Pictures
There is much for everyone to enjoy on Bute with a coastline of beaches, standing stones, culture, wildlife, arts and music.
Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.
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