Isle of Bute

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Bute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands. Thanks to this, and a balmy climate, it has been a popular holiday spot for well over a century. Rothesay, Bute’s chief town, is a seaside resort brimming with character, cafés and good old-fashioned shops. Follow the coastal road south and you’ll find Mount Stuart, a spectacular palace set amid acres of woodland.

Bute is a lovely place to explore on foot or by bike or via our island bus. Most of Bute’s inhabitants live around the two wide bays on the island’s eastern side, so if you’re looking for peace, solitude and the best beaches, head west. Ettrick Bay is a fantastic stretch of sand, while Scalpsie Bay is home to a seal colony. If forest walks and pretty villages appeal, head north to Port Bannatyne, the Marina, and Kames Bay. Continuing round the corner and before you reach the wee ferry crossing from Rhubodach to Colintraive, you can spend some time exploring the Community Forest. Want to see it all and feeling energetic? Then the West Island Way is a great 25-mile walk that takes you the length of the island.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression.  Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Isle of Bute.

Donnchamh Caimbealach

Soraidh bhuam don Eilean Bhódach (Farewell from me to the Isle of Bute)

Far am bu nòs leam bhith ’fuireach (Where I was want to dwell)

Thanks to partners CHARTS

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Top reasons to visit

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Scotland's most accessible island
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Beaches & sea views
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Mount Stuart & Rothesay Castle
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Bute Forest
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Victorian gardens
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Gin distillery

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Live Argyll - Rothesay Leisure Centre, Bute

Rothesay Leisure Centre can be found next to the King George V playing fields, within walking distance of the town centre. Dive into a 25 metre swimming pool...

96 High Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 9BN

Tel: 01700 504300

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Bute Yard

Home to the Isle of Bute Smokehouse, Isle of Bute Distillery, and Bute Brew Co, Bute Yard runs a taproom from 12 noon each day. This unique, versatile space...

61-67 High Street
Rothesay
PA20 9AU

Tel: 07481 830 493

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Bute Forest

A lovely short walk taking in oak woodland and spruce, passing the Painted Rock Trail and work area and with a short diversion, taking you to the stunning vi...

From Rothesay or Port Bannatyne, drive north along the A844 along the coast. Stay on this coastal road as it becomes the A886 shortly past Port Bannatyne and follow it until you reach the Rhubodach-Colintraive ferry crossing where you can park your car. From Rothesay to the ferry terminal by car takes around 20 minutes. Public transport and walking is also possible.

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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
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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Rothesay Castle

Situated on the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age. Built by the Stewar...

Rothesay Castle
Castlehill Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 0DA

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Visit Bute

Scotland's Most Accessible Island

Just a short 35 minute ferry crossing across the Firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay and an even shorter 3 minute crossing at the top of the island from Colintraive on the Cowal Pennisula, Bute is Scotland's most accessible island.

Rothesay, is Bute’s main town, a seaside resort brimming with character, with great places for refreshments and traditional, welcoming shops. It is a striking town stretching along the shores of Rothesay Bay with Rothesay Castle at its heart surrounded by a moat. 

Mount Stuart is Bute’s jewel in its crown. One of the world’s most impressive neo gothic mansions, it is home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart. The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic interests showcased in its architecture, furnishings and outstanding art collection. 

It is an island of wildlife, adventure, beautiful scenery and great beaches. For beach lovers, the west coast of the island presents three sandy beaches with short walks with way marked features of interest including a bird hide at the south of Ettrick Bay, St Ninian’s Chapel near the Straad.

The West Island Way is 25-mile walk that takes you the length of the island. Most of the island’s towns and villages are on the east with wonderful villas and mansions lining the coast whereas the west is much quieter with sandy beaches and amazing views.

Bute Community Forest which has a number of fascinating trails and ample opportunities to spot wildlife is perfect for those who love the great outdoors and getting up close and personal with nature.

Loch Fad, the ‘long loch’ cuts the island in half along the Highland Boundary Fault and is renowned for its scenic beauty, fishing, boat hire and huge diversity of bird life.

 

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Download Bute's pub trail

From dog-friendly pubs to karaoke nights, the best beer gardens to delicious cocktails - have your fill and download Bute's ultimate pub guide.

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Bute on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Bute by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!

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Getting here

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Planning your journey

Start your adventure with a ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, either as a foot passenger or with your car. The ferry connects with a regular train and bus service to and from Glasgow and there are service buses and bike hire on the island, so why not leave the car behind?

An alternative route is a short ferry link between Rhubodach, north of Bute, and Colintraive at the Cowal peninsula. This can link with the ferry between Hunters Quay and McInroe’s Point near Gourock on the mainland, or you can drive north on the A82 along Loch Lomond joining the A83 then south on the A815 and A886.

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