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 on line – we do get some cool lights.
• Visit Bute Museum for 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 date variy – 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 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 Kitchen has a facebook page to keep up with all food produce made on Bute – Bute Yard host many events, food events, music, family – check out their face book.
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 bringing the community and visitors together – year 10 this year – it is up for an award this year also. Many more events, concerts on Bute in this lively time of year – keep an eye on facebook.
- Art Exhibitions: Visit pop-up galleries or explore artist studios during summer openhouse events. There are many around the island and IBAC arts trail.
- Activities: Go kayaking or paddle boarding in Killchatten and Ettrick Bay or enjoy cycling – we have hire 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 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 in Bute Yard, local pubs – keep an eye on line.
- Walks – many crips walks as the weather changes – we have the Forest with walks and trail 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.
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Mount Stuart Trust - Cafe
At The Courtyard Cafe, we are as passionate about food and drink as we are about our home at Mount Stuart. The island and its fertile land means we don’t hav...
Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
PA20 9LR
Tel: 01700 503877
Braw Liquor Club
Braw Liquor Club is on a mission to make cocktails better without cutting corners on quality, using Scottish ingredients from land and sea, sourced with tran...
Braw Liquor Club
Cotton Mill Lane
Isle of Bute
PA20 9BZ
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.
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