Isle of Bute

[[file:Isle of Bute banner Ferry leaving Rothesay - Ferry leaving Rothesay}} The Waverley at Rothesay Pier - - 471231 - The Waverley at Rothesay Pier

The Isle of Bute (Eilean Bhòid or An t-Eilean Bhòdach) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, off the west coast of Scotland. Administratively it's part of Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Highlands. Indeed the Highland fault line runs through it, from the bay and main town of Rothesay halfway down its east coast, through freshwater Loch Fad and Loch Quien to Scalpsie Bay on the south coast. So most of the island, west of this line, is geologically Highland, but it's of no great height, and Bute is lowland in nature. For visitor purposes it's part of the "Costa Clyde" or "Glasgow Riviera" and the string of little resorts stretching down the Clyde coast from Gourock through Ayr to Girvan. With only a short ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay on the mainland, it's popular with day trippers from Glasgow and never feels "away from it all".

Bute satellite - Satellite view of the Isle of Bute

Travel to Isle of Bute

Isle of Bute location - Isle of Bute location

By sea is the only way into Bute, unless you've a light aircraft. Most visitors arrive in Rothesay GPS 55.839 ,-5.054 on the Calmac ferry from Wemyss Bay 30 miles west of Glasgow. This takes 35 mins and sails at least hourly every day year-round 07:00-20:00. Return fares £23.50 per vehicle plus £6.50 per passenger including driver.

The other Calmac ferry links Rhubodach, at the end of the road on the north of the island, with Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula. You'd only come this way as part of a scenic tour of Argyll. The ferry runs daily year-round every 30 mins 06:00-21:00 (Sun from 08:30). Return fares £12 per car, £2.30 per passenger including driver. As the sea channel is all of 300 yards wide, it's an expensive crossing in terms of £ per mile.

In summer the paddle steamer Waverley calls at Rothesay on excursions.

See Wemyss Bay GPS 55.8769 ,-4.8891 for details of:

- frequent trains from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay,

- road routes and the usual approach being westbound M8 > A8 > A78,

- connections from Glasgow Airport IATA Flight Code: GLA or, less likely, Prestwick IATA Flight Code: PIK}}.

By air: seriously, if you do have a light aircraft, Bute Airfield GPS: 55.756907,-5.047807 is near Kilchattan Bay five miles south of Rothesay. Grass strip of 500 m, daylight hours only, no fuel. And you'll need to have ground transport set up.

Get Around

GPS 55.800 |-5.100

By bus: West Coast Motors run bus services on the island (Tel +44 1586 552319). All bus routes pass along Rothesay Victoria Street near the ferry pier. Those most relevant to visitors are 90, 490 and 493, which follow the coast south past Ardencraig Gardens, Ascog Fernery and Mount Stuart to Kilchattan Bay. These run hourly year-round Monday to Sat.

Buses 90, 477, 479 and 490 run up the east coast via Port Bannatyne to Rhubodach ferry pier, for Colintraive on the Cowal peninsula. Bus 477 crosses to Colintraive by ferry and winds around Loch Riddon via Auchenbreck then south through Kames to Portvadie, for ferries to Tarbert in Argyll. Bus 479 also crosses to Colintraive and from Auchenbreck turns west to Dunoon, for ferries to Gourock thence trains to Glasgow. From Port Bannatyne, buses 90, 490 and 493 turn inland, to Ettrick Bay on Bute's west coast. Routes 488, 491, 492 and 493 loop around Rothesay town to various residential areas and the college, and local hospital.

By bike is an excellent way to explore the island, as the distances aren't great and it's not hilly. Bike hire is available from The Bike Shed near the ferry terminal in Rothesay. Tel +44 1700 505515.

What to see in Isle of Bute

Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute - west view - Mount Stuart House

• Rothesay Castle | Castle Hill, Rothesay PA20 0DA ☎ +44 1700 502691 Opening Hours: April - Sept daily 09:30-17:30; October - Mar Saturday - West 10:00-16:00 Adult £5 Rothesay Castle RothesayCastleNW - . A "compound" castle, unusual for Scotland, first built in Norman times. It has a circular curtain wall: four towers were later added, of which only the "Pigeon Tower" survives. It was well smashed up by Cromwell, and then again during the Monmouth Rebellion. From the 19th C the Marquesses of Bute made considerable efforts to restore it - or at least to their spec for what the Middle Ages ought to have looked like.

• Bute Museum - 7 Stuart Street Rothesay PA20 0EP just south of castle ☎ +44 1700 505067 . Opening Hours: April - Sept Monday to Saturday 10:30-15:30, Sunday 13:30-15:30; Oct Nov, February Mar: Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday 13:30-15:30 £4 Just two rooms, but packed with exhibits of local history thru the ages.

• Ascog Hall Fernery - Ascog Hall, Ascog PA20 9EU GPS 55.8234, -5.0240 4 miles south of Rothesay on coast, bus 90, 490 & 493 ☎ +44 1700 504555 Opening Hours: April - Oct daily 10:00-17:00 Adult £5 . This Victorian fernery was forgotten about and then rediscovered in 1997 and rehabilitated. One fern had survived from the original collection and is thought to be over 1000 years old.
• Mount Stuart House - Kerrycroy PA20 9LR 55.7919, -5.0183 6 miles south of Rothesay on coast, bus 90, 490 & 493 ☎ +44 1700 503877 Opening Hours: Mid-March-mid-Dec: Sunday - Friday 11:00-17:00, Saturday 10:00-14:30 Adult £13 Mount Stuart House Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute - east view 45344 . A flamboyant Victorian Gothic House set in parkland planted with species from all over the world. The Crichton-Stuarts held extensive lands in Wales and elsewhere, and became even richer from developing industry around Cardiff. The 19th C 3rd Marquess wanted to recreate the Middle Ages to his own specifications, and restored Cardiff Castle and nearby Castle Coch. Mount Stuart was his next project. It's built in warm red sandstone, with a notable marble hall and chapel, and richly decorated. In 2016 a Shakespeare First folio was discovered in the library.

• Street Blane's Church GPS 55.737, -5.036 | is an extensive ruin, mostly Norman. A monastery stood here 6th to 7th C but only scraps of this remain. After the Reformation of 1560 the priest refused either to become protestant or to leave the church and manse. The authorities left him alone here in an almighty sulk while the place fell to rack and ruin around him. By Kilchattan follow Plan Road south past the airfield; park up at the road end and walk along the track.
• Seals often haul out at Scalpsie Bay on the south coast. The little island one mile west is Inchmarnock. It has sea caves and a Bronze Age burial cist, and in the 7th C was home to the monk for whom Kilmarnock is named. The island is private farmland but boat trips sometimes land by permission.
• The Kyles of Bute are the narrow straits that separate the northern end of Bute from the Cowal Pensinsula. They're a designated United Kingdom National Parks#National Scenic Areas|National Scenic Area. You can see their eastern arm from the coast road to Rhubodach ferry pier. The western arm can be seen from* Ettrick Bay Beach 55.8508, -5.1412, reached by B878 from Rothesay.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Isle of Bute

Rothesay from Serpentine Road - Rothesay, viewed from part way up Serpentine Road

• Victorian Gents Lavatories Ferry terminal, Rothesay ☎ +44 1700 505146 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:00-17:45, F-Su 08:00-19:30 40 pence Magnificent shrine to Victorian ablutions, but only the gents, and for some reason there isn't a viewing gallery so you come here to "do" not "see". The ladies' is modern and functional. "Separate spheres" and all that . .
• Rothesay Leisure Centre 96 High Street, Rothesay PA20 9BN 55.83124, -5.05663 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 07:00-20:00, Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-15:00 For those rainy days. 25 m pool, gym and sauna open daily. Fitness classes rotate between here and the college campus and Moat community centre.

• Port Bannatyne Marina and Boatyard - Kames Bay, Port Bannatyne PA20 0LT 55.8611, -5.0863 just west of Port B village ☎ +44 1700 503116 (for berthing) Opening Hours: Accessible 24 hours at all tides, dredged to -2.4 m; office 09:00-17:00 Modern marina with permanent berthing, repairs and storing for all craft. During World War II the bay here was a base for midget submarines ("x-craft").

• Port Bannatyne Petanque Club Recreation Ground, Marine Road Port Bannatyne PA20 0LT Opposite Port B Marina Opening Hours: May-Sept Boules and measures may be hired from the Post Office, or the Anchor Tavern.

• Port Bannatyne Golf Club - Mains Road, Port Bannatyne PA20 0PH 55.8582, -5.0859 ☎ +44 1700 504270 . An oddity, a 13 hole course: you play 12 and then the first 5 again and then the 18th. Club house, great views, friendly club, kit for hire.

• Loch Fad Fishing - Loch Fad, 55.8167, -5.0656 To Loch Fad by Barone Road B878 then left onto track; to Loch Quien go south via High Street / B881 for 3 miles ☎ +44 1700 504871 Loch Fad Day ticket (5 fish) £25; Loch Quien (catch & release) £14 . The deep loch is stocked with trout, and pike, perch and roach may also be fished. Rowing boats and rods for hire. In summer 2022 Bluebird K7 and the restored speedboat of Donald Campbell (1921-1967), undertook trials here.

• The West Island Way is a long-distance footpath that traverses Bute, 32 miles in all. It's all easy going, pick your own itinerary, but the suggested stages are: Day 1 circuit of Kilchattan Bay, 5 miles; Day 2 Kilchattan to Port Bannatyne, 11.5 miles; Day 3 Port Bannatyne to Rhubodach 8.5 miles; Day 4 back to Port Bannatyne.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Isle of Bute

Port Bannatyne telephone box - - 705017 - Port Bannatyne telephone box

• The Co-op is on Bridge Street 100 yards west of Rothesay ferry terminal. It's open daily 07:00-22:00.
• Macqueen's is a butcher selling hand-made gourmet Sausages,haggis and black pudding. They're at 1 Bishop St, Rothesay near the harbour, open Monday to Saturday 09:00-18:00, West to 12:30.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• The Russian Tavern at The Port Royal Hotel - Port Bannatyne, Rothesay - 37 Marine Road North along the coast road from Rothesay some 3 miles. Right on the seafront ☎ +44 1700 505073 Opening Hours: 12.00-23.00 Medium Price Not a theme-bar but an authentic Russian Restaurant serving excellent cuisine. Chris Evans on his Al Jazeera Radio Two programme recommended this little spot for free-ranged highland cattle beef that had a special flavour from eating the seaweed. Fishing boats land their catch just outside, so the seafood is not just fresh, but live! The langoustines (crayfish) are a delight, and a large platter served with freshly baked bread and home mayonaisse costs only £12! Certainly a place to try when visiting Bute.

• Zavaronis Cafe| 20 Argyle St., Rothesay ☎ +44 1700 502928 - The Zavaroni family run two cafes and a fish and chip shop on the island. They're not really feasible to miss. The chip shop is next to the Co-Op on East Princes Street and the other two cafes, serving made on site ice cream, drinks, Snacks and light meals, are on the seafront.

• Rayan - Syrian take-away restaurant | 16 Gallowgate, Rothesay, Isle of ButeJust around the junction from the tourist information centre ☎ +44 784 984 5305 low cost A really lovely place to eat: simple food, all freshly prepared and very low cost - a wonderful menu of Syrian food. Run by a really friendly couple - highly recommended.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Isle of Bute

Isle of Bute - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Isle of Bute, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Isle of Bute. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Isle of Bute and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Isle of Bute. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Isle of Bute. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIsle of Bute: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Isle of Bute.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Isle of Bute: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Isle of Bute, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Isle of Bute.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Isle of Bute, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Isle of Bute, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Isle of Bute and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Isle of Bute, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Isle of Bute, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Isle of Bute without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Isle of Bute is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Isle of Bute.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Isle of Bute is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Isle of Bute, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Isle of Bute Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Small B&Bs dot the coast road from Port Bannatyne to the north, through Rothesay, to Craigmore a mile east.

• Port Royal Hotel - 37 Marine Road, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute PA20 0LW On A844 coast road 3 miles north of Rothesay ☎ +44 1700 505073 Check-in: 12 midday / Check-out: 12 miday £64 double Seashore village inn offering budget B&B in four rooms, and in The Russian Tavern (see "Eat") serving all day freshly landed seafood and a la carte Russian dishes. Real ales are served direct from the barrel and there is a wide selection of Russian soft drinks, soft drinks and soft drinks.

• Cannon House Hotel - 5 Battery Place, Rothesay PA20 9DP On coast road half a mile east of ferry pier ☎ +44 1700 502819 Check-in: 2pm / Check-out: 11pm Georgian property on the sea front with six double rooms and one twin. A delicious a la carte menu is available each evening. Residents lounge and small café.

Travel Next

The obvious route is back to the mainland via Rothesay and Wemyss Bay, when Glasgow and the whole of lowland / central Scotland lie before you. This is also the best route to the Isle of Arran, by ferry from Ardrossan.

From the short ferry crossing of Rhubodach-Colintraive, either go north to Loch Long, Inveraray and Loch Lomond, or loop south again to Portvadie, for ferries to Tarbert on Argyll. From there the primary street leads to Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre. Dotted along the way are ferry ports for Islay (thence Jura), Gigha, and a back route into Arran.

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