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Isle of Bute
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 Ferry from Colintraive Photo copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006 |
You can take a shorter crossing - only 5 minutes - from Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula to Rhubodach near the northern tip of Bute, about 8 miles from Rothesay. The ferry just goes backwards and forwards all day long crossing the Kyles of Bute. Bikes are carried free on this ferry. You can buy cheap Day Saver tickets for a car and up to 4 people valid during the summer. |
The official Caledonian Macbrayne website lists all the current ferry timetables in detail. Tel: 01475 650 100.
CalMac ferry departing Rothesay for Wemyss Bay (copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006)Travellers' Tips:
West Coast Motors operate a local bus service and you can view the timetables on their web site.
They also have Open top bus tours in summer which operate a circular tour from Rothesay. This service runs daily from the end of May to the end of September. There are also trips over the Easter weekend. Tel: 01586 552319.Taxi firms:
Zan Kreyser David, Hawthor Ho/Crichton Road, Rothesay - Tel: 01700 504499
AA Taxis, 56 Ardmory Road, Rothesay - Tel: 01700 502275
Ross Sandy Taxis, Solway/Serpentine Road, Rothesay - Tel: 01700 504224
Soutar Radio Taxis, 14 Ladeside Place, Rothesay - Tel: 01700 505511My travellers' tips file may also be useful if you are planning a trip to Scotland. It covers airlines, national car hire, train information, accommodation web sites, etc.
For detailed and searchable maps, visit Streetmap.co.uk and UK Multimap.com
Outdoor activities:
- Cycle hire: The Bike Shed or Robbs Cycles (tel: 01700 502333)
- Pony trekking - Kingarth Trekking Centre - tel: 01700 831673.
- Loch Fad Fisheries - tel: 01700 504871.
- Golf: Bute Golf Club - Rothesay Golf Club - Port Bannatyne Golf Club.
- Sailing: Butesail (RYA sail training centre) - Isle of Bute Sailing Club
- Sea kayaking: Kayak Bute - Bute Kaying Club
Events:
Annual events on Bute include:
- Bute Jazz Festival (May)
- ButeLive Music & Arts Festival (July)
- Open Bowling Tournament (August)
- Agricultural Show (August)
- Bute Highland Games (August)
- Bute Linedance Festival (September)
See the Isle of Bute Events Diary for more dates and information.
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ROTHESAY
King Robert III granted Rothesay the status of royal burgh and Prince Charles, as eldest son of the current monarch, is the current Duke of Rothesay. |
 Rothesay photo Copyright © 1994 Corel, The Internet Guide to Scotland and its licensors. All rights reserved. Not to be downloaded or reproduced. |
Bute Museum in Stuart Street has much information on local history, geology and wildlife. It opens daily during the summer but only certain afternoons (Tuesday - Saturday) in winter time. Tel: 01700 505067. Guided walks around the town take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting from here. You can also visit the Post Office Museum in Bishop Street which is free.
One of the most unusual visitor attractions in Rothesay is the award-winning restored Victorian Toilets on the pier. Conducted tours are given each day.
Winter Garden (copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006)Along the promenade, the former Winter Garden in Victoria Street is now home to the tourist information centre - the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre - with exhibitions and displays about the island. Tel: 01700 502151. There is also a genealogy centre, a bistro and a cinema. Click here for a 360 degree panorama of the exterior.
 Image copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006 |
 Image copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006 |
The Pavilion Theatre and Cafe is another place for entertainment with discos, children's shows, etc. There's a Leisure Pool in High Street, complete with solarium and sauna. At the Moat Centre you can play badminton, snooker and table tennis or visit the local library. Tennis and squash courts are available with a children's play area and paddling pool at The Meadows in High Street.
The town has lots of accommodation on offer and many shops including a Co-op supermarket and a health food store in Victoria Street. Don't forget to visit the famous Zaravoni's ice cream shop overlooking the promenade.
You get a good view from Canada Hill and you can play at the Rothesay Golf Club.
Barone Fort once sat on top of Barone Hill. Another historical site is St. Mary's Chapel which is located in High Street on the outskirts of the town along the A845 road. Dating from the 14th century, it features the tomb of Stephanie Hortense Bonaparte, a niece of Napoleon. There is also a tomb of a knight in armour. A well can be seen here too.
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ROTHESAY CASTLE
Opening hours are as follows: April to September daily 9.30am to 5.30pm. Rest of the year open 9.30am to 4.30pm (closed Thursday & Friday). Telephone 01700 502691. Admission charge. Historic Scotland. |
 Image copyright Colin Palmer stock photo library (prints and posters available for purchase) |
The original castle was probably built around 1098 by the Viking Magnus Barelegs who came from Norway to conquer the Scottish islands. Later it fell into Scottish hands, but was attacked by Norsemen in 1230 and again in 1263 when it was captured by King Haakon who was subsequently defeated at the Battle of Largs.
It was a favourite residence of Robert II, whose son made Rothesay a royal burgh in 1401. James V added the part known as The Palace.
When the castle was captured for the English by the Earl of Lennox in 1544, the Bute family who had become hereditary keepers were thrown out.
Rothesay was still important in the 17th century when it was held for King Charles and then Cromwell. On leaving in 1659, the Roundheads partially destroyed the castle. A few years later as part of the 1685 rebellion it was set on fire by the Argyll Highlanders.
The first restoration work started in 1816-17 by the second Marquis of Bute. More repairs and renovations were carried out by the third Marquis who also rebuilt Mount Stuart House (see below).
ETTRICK BAY
About 5 miles west of Rothesay is this sandy bay. You can go on an open bus tour from Rothesay, take your own car or cycle over there. Nearby is the Colmac stone circle.ARDENCRAIG GARDENS
Located just to the east of Rothesay at Ardencraig. You can visit the gardens and also see aviaries of foreign birds and exotic fish ponds. There is a tea room. The gardens were bought by the Royal Burgh of Rothesay in 1968 and admission is totally free. Access to the gardens is from May until September, Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm - 4.30pm. Ardencraigh House is not open to the public.ASCOG HALL FERNERY
Continuing on the road leading south out of Rothesay, you reach Ascog Hall which opens its marvellous restored Victorian fernery to visitors 10am - 5pm from mid-April to mid-October (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). For further details, telephone the owners Wallace and Katherine Fyfe on 01700 504 555. Ferns are on sale I believe. Details online.....MOUNT STUART HOUSE AND GARDENS
Photo copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006Located about 5 miles south of Rothesay, easily accessible by car or bike. There is also a shuttle bus service from Rothesay.
First opened to visitors in 1995, Mount Stuart won the Scottish Tourism Oscar Award.
It is a Victorian Gothic house with wonderful architecture both outside and inside. The interiors are absolutely sumptuous. Most definitely worth visiting! Throughout the house you will find astrological and astronomical themes and designs.
The Marble Hall is magnificent - particularly when viewed on a sunny day as the light coming through the zodiac windows can form mini rainbows. The ceiling in the Horoscope Room depicts the astrological chart of the 3rd Marquess. You will also see the dining room, library, drawing room, conservatory (used as an operating theatre during the war), various bedrooms and bathrooms (with pioneering showers), plus the amazing white marble chapel (where Stella McCartney got married in 2003).The gardens are also very beautiful and there is a countryside ranger service which offers guided walks. 300 acres of woodland. The contemporary visitor centre comprises the ticket office, restaurant, gift shop, gallery and toilets. There is also a tea room (and toilets) adjacent to the house. Picnic areas can be accessed via the car park.
It's a good walk from the visitor centre to the house itself, so courtesy transport is provided.The house is open daily from 1 May to 30 September. Opening times: 11am - 5pm Sunday to Friday, and 10am - 2.30pm on Saturdays. The gardens are open daily 10am - 6pm.
The house is viewed by guided tour during Easter weekend, May, June and September with the last tour of each day commencing 1 hour prior to closure.
During July and August, a free flow system is in operation where there is a stationery guide in each room and guests are welcome to view the house at their leisure. Pre-booked guided tours are also available during July and August.
Coach parties are welcome, but it is best to book in advance. No dogs allowed. Telephone 01700 503 877 / Fax: 01700 505 313. Full details on official web site.If you would like to come here on a day-trip from the mainland, then you can buy an all-inclusive day ticket from any station in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area and this will allow you to travel on the train, ferry and bus to get to Mount Stuart. Ticket price also includes entry to the house and gardens. They say you can be here in 80 minutes from Glasgow!
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Mount Stuart gardens and chapel.
Photos copyright Joanne Mackenzie-Winters 2006
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KILCHATTAN BAY
Easily accessible by car and bus from Rothesay is this sandy bay which overlooks the island of Great Cumbrae. Pony trekking is available. Nearby are the ruins of Kelspoke Castle.SAINT BLANE'S CHAPEL (8.5 miles south of Rothesay)
Not far from Kilchattan Bay are the remains of this chapel dating from the 12th century. Nearby are the foundations of a monastery founded by Saint Blane in the 6th century. This is one of the most peaceful spots on the island. From here you can look over the sea to the hills of Arran. Interestingly, the church had 2 cemeteries - one for men and one for women.OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
- On the way to Kilchattan Bay, look for the Blackmark Stone Circle near Kingarth.
- On the west coast not far from St. Blane's Chapel are the ruins of Dunagoil Fort at Dunagoil Bay.
- Scalpsie Bay further north on the west coast is supposed to be very nice and you can see seals there too.
- Further north and still on the west coast at St. Ninian's Bay are the remains of a chapel.
- There are other beaches at Ascog, Kerrycroy, Mount Stuart and Stravanan.
- Port Bannatyne Golf Club.
Accommodation
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Booking Hotline: 0870 336 2827
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Nettle Brae Cottage
Spacious converted coach house (sleeps 4).
Rental prices from £224.50 per week
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There are around 50 hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering properties on the island of Bute. Caravan and chalet accommodation is also available. Have a look at the accommodation listings on the Isle of Bute web site.
For accommodation with a difference, how about renting one of the cottages on the estate at Kames Castle, Port Bannatyne.
Arranview is a detached wing of Stewart Hall offering luxury 5 star self catering for 6 people.
The Port Royal Hotel overlooking the harbour at Port Bannatyne has 5 guest rooms. Dag and Ola Crawford have recreated an authentic Tsarist Russian Tavern serving all fresh Russian Cuisine, Real Ales from barrels mounted on the bar, Russian beers in glass, etc. Excellent meals. Count Nikolai Tolstoy who stayed here before Christmas 2002 said: 'this is the best Beef Stroganoff I have tasted...EVER!' Voted Pub of The Year 2003 by the Campaign for Real Ale SW Scotland branch. Les Routiers Overall Winner 2003 National UK Real Ale Pub of the Year. Russian concerts once a month. Tel: 01700 505073.
St Blanes Hotel - a 19th century listed building at Kilchattan Bay is a 2 star hotel with a large beer garden and six moorings for visiting yachts.
Before catching the ferry to Bute, the last stop is the Colintraive Hotel which overlooks the Kyles of Bute.
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The Isle of Bute
Written by Norman S. Newton in 1999. Lovely colour guide with over 100 pages of photos. Covers the local heritage and culture of Bute, wildlife, landscape, history of settlement, place names, places to visit, etc. Even if you don't get chance to buy it before you go, you will certainly want a copy for a souvenir when you have visited!
Don't forget you can browse my selection of Scottish books - or search on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk: |
See the Eating Out page on the Isle of Bute web site.
If you are self-catering on the island and need a health food store, then check out The Grapevine at 9 Victoria Street, Rothesay.
There's a good selection of places in Rothesay:
Bistro in the Winter Gardens
The India Pavilion Tandoori Restaurant, 7 Argyle Street.
Sea Dragon, 4 East Princes Street.
Olivers Restaurant, 63 Victoria Street.
The West End Cafe is well known for its traditional fish and chips.
The Lucky Inn, 25 Gallowgate.In Ettrick Bay there's a tearoom (open Monday - Friday).
Also experience The Port Royal Hotel Russian Tavern overlooking the harbour.These are just some of the places available on the island. Some of the hotels are open to non-residents for meals too.
Tourist Information Centre
Isle of Bute Discovery Centre
Victoria Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
Tel: 01700 502 151 / Fax: 01700 505 156
For more info online, visit:
Isle of Bute web site (isle-of-bute.com)
The Buteman (the local newspaper)
Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs - Official Tourist Board web site
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Last update: April 2008