BUTE
HIRE A STALL
ISLE OF BUTE
One of Scotland’s beautiful southwestern islands, the Isle of Bute lures visitors to its shores with the promise of long walks on the beach or through forests, loch fishing, cycling, golfing or bird watching. Set amid seaside and rural beauty, find Rothesay, with its endearing heritage buildings among colourful cafés and night-time pubs, holiday events and entertainment on offer for the whole family. Modern conveniences, accommodation establishments and transport options make it an ideal base from which to explore all the island has to offer. Discover prehistory artefacts at the Bute Museum, Neolithic Clyde Cairns, the remains of stone circles, forts, monasteries and castles. Delve into Bute’s historic and strategic significance during numerous conflicts spanning hundreds of years, as well as the island’s fascinating family ties with the Scottish royal house.
ROTHESAY
Rothesay, the principal town on the Isle of Bute, is a charming seaside holiday town, which is in the process of being refurbished. Rothesay became a royal burgh in 1401, but had already been well established by then. As a first stop, pop into the Discovery Centre to orientate yourself, pick up lovely souvenirs, get top tips and maps for exploring, including information on movies showing at the cinema. Walking past Guildford Square, where the long-standing St Bruix Fair was held for hundreds of years since 1585, go down the High Street and pass the iconic 13th-century Rothesay Castle, one of Scotland’s first stone castles. At the entrance to Bute Yard, on the left, don’t miss Mansion House, the oldest dwelling on Bute having served as both a temporary Customs House and home to the 2nd Earl of Bute and his wife before the family moved to the much more imposing Mount Stuart. Small local shops and cafés are colourfully dotted around town and provide a great sit-down break. All amenities and facilities are available, including a hospital.
ACCOMMODATION
Having been a popular holiday destination since the 1800’s, the Isle of Bute has tourism and accommodation establishments to suit all needs. Stay in self-catering castle cottages, Victorian villas with seaviews, luxury mansions, villas and cottages on the elegant Mount Stuart estate, rural glamping pods, grand historic hotels such as the reopened Glenburn Hotel or in various Airbnb furnished flats and houses. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during high season.
TRANSPORT
The Isle of Bute is one of the most accessible of Scotland’s beautiful western islands with two Caledonian MacBrayne ferries servicing the island, from Colintraive to Rhubodach and, the most popular, from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, Bute’s principal town. The island is only 33 miles from Glasgow. You can take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Wemyss Bay in just under an hour, followed by a 35-minute ferry. With all there is to see and do on the Isle of Bute, it’s no wonder Glaswegians have been coming “doon the watter”, initially on steamers, to visit for more than 200 years. The island is easily explored on foot or by public bus transport. However, should you wish, bicycle hire and taxis are available and you can also bring your vehicle across on the ferry.
FOOD+DRINK
With the establishment of ButeKitchen and the launch of Bute Yard, the Isle of Bute is actively regenerating its food scene to delight a range of palates. This builds on Bute’s long history of agriculture, fishing and heritage crafts using age-old methods for smoking fish as well as providing traditional and innovative top grade meat products, sourced locally and regionally. You’ll find artisan and smoked cheese and a staggering variety of vegan cheeses. To drink, enjoy an Isle of Bute organic blend of speciality coffee. Or be tempted by small batch craft beers, gins, rum, whisky and liqueurs, reminding you of days long gone when Bute was teeming with clandestine brewers. Locally made preserves, baked goods, confections and ice creams will satisfy any sweet tooth. Buy or taste fresh local produce and products at restaurants, cafés, hotels, the unique rural Pencil Box and at a Bute Yard monthly food and drink market. Bute Brew Co at Bute Yard runs a public bar and provides brewery and distillery tasting tours.
ROTHESAY
ISLE OF BUTE
The Isle of Bute is one of the most accessible of Scotland’s beautiful western islands with two Caledonian MacBrayne ferries servicing the island, from Colintraive to Rhubodach and, the most popular, from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, Bute’s principal town. The island is only 33 miles from Glasgow. You can take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Wemyss Bay in just under an hour, followed by a 35-minute ferry. With all there is to see and do on the Isle of Bute, it’s no wonder Glaswegians have been coming “doon the watter”, initially on steamers, to visit for more than 200 years. The island is easily explored on foot or by public bus transport. However, should you wish, bicycle hire and taxis are available and you can also bring your vehicle across on the ferry.
TRANSPORT
Want to get a taste of Bute before you book? Ask us your questions.
TRAVEL TO BUTE
BUTE
One of Scotland’s beautiful southwestern islands, the Isle of Bute lures visitors to its shores with the promise of long walks on the beach or through forests, loch fishing, cycling, golfing or bird watching. Set amid seaside and rural beauty, find Rothesay, with its endearing heritage buildings among colourful cafés and night-time pubs, holiday events and entertainment on offer for the whole family. Modern conveniences, accommodation establishments and transport options make it an ideal base from which to explore all the island has to offer. Discover prehistory artefacts at the Bute Museum, Neolithic Clyde Cairns, the remains of stone circles, forts, monasteries and castles. Delve into Bute’s historic and strategic significance during numerous conflicts spanning hundreds of years, as well as the island’s fascinating family ties with the Scottish royal house.
Rothesay, the principal town on the Isle of Bute, is a charming seaside holiday town, which is in the process of being refurbished. Rothesay became a royal burgh in 1401, but had already been well established by then. As a first stop, pop into the Discovery Centre to orientate yourself, pick up lovely souvenirs, get top tips and maps for exploring, including information on movies showing at the cinema. Walking past Guildford Square, where the long-standing St Bruix Fair was held for hundreds of years since 1585, go down the High Street and pass the iconic 13th-century Rothesay Castle, one of Scotland’s first stone castles. At the entrance to Bute Yard, on the left, don’t miss Mansion House, the oldest dwelling on Bute having served as both a temporary Customs House and home to the 2nd Earl of Bute and his wife before the family moved to the much more imposing Mount Stuart. Small local shops and cafés are colourfully dotted around town and provide a great sit-down break. All amenities and facilities are available, including a hospital.
Having been a popular holiday destination since the 1800’s, the Isle of Bute has tourism and accommodation establishments to suit all needs. Stay in self-catering castle cottages, Victorian villas with seaviews, luxury mansions, villas and cottages on the elegant Mount Stuart estate, rural glamping pods, grand historic hotels such as the reopened Glenburn Hotel or in various Airbnb furnished flats and houses. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during high season.
ACCOMMODATION
With the establishment of ButeKitchen and the launch of Bute Yard, the Isle of Bute is actively regenerating its food scene to delight a range of palates. This builds on Bute’s long history of agriculture, fishing and heritage crafts using age-old methods for smoking fish as well as providing traditional and innovative top grade meat products, sourced locally and regionally. You’ll find artisan and smoked cheese and a staggering variety of vegan cheeses. To drink, enjoy an Isle of Bute organic blend of speciality coffee. Or be tempted by small batch craft beers, gins, rum, whisky and liqueurs, reminding you of days long gone when Bute was teeming with clandestine brewers. Locally made preserves, baked goods, confections and ice creams will satisfy any sweet tooth. Buy or taste fresh local produce and products at restaurants, cafés, hotels, the unique rural Pencil Box and at a Bute Yard monthly food and drink market. Bute Brew Co at Bute Yard runs a public bar and provides brewery and distillery tasting tours.
FOOD+DRINK
TRAVEL TO BUTE
Want to get a taste of Bute before you book? Ask us your questions.
