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isle of bute
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A Wee TASTe Of buTe…
bute is Scotland’s most accessible island, only 90 minutes from Glasgow, on the west coast in the Firth of Clyde. Packed with stunning scenery, Bute off ers something for everyone, with plenty to eat, drink, see and do!
eAT
Rothesay, Bute’s main town, has a range of eateries. You can sample local cuisine like smoked salmon from Ritchie’s of Rothesay, relax in Musiker, a music café with in-house bookstore, or try delicious treats from Helmi’s Syrian Bakery. Further south is Kingarth Hotel and Smiddy Bar - the perfect base aft er a walk or a round of golf. Here, you can enjoy a burger made with local butcher’s meat, or sample some freshly caught seafood.
DRinK
Port Bannatyne, it the north of the Island, is home to Th e Port Inn, a cosy, welcoming pub with live music and a magnifi cent sun-trapped beer garden.
Th e island also gives its name to two gin companies, Isle of Bute Gin Co. and Spirit of Bute – available at Spirit of Bute shop in Rothesay.
DO
Rothesay Castle, in the town centre, had a long association with the Stewart Kings of Scotland and can be explored daily from April 1. Behind the castle, also reopening on this date, is Bute museum.
April 3 brings the reopening of Mount Stuart House and Gardens, a 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors, nestled in a 300-acre estate with striking backdrop of the Firth of Clyde. Aft er your house tour you could head to the courtyard to sample fantastic homebaking, learn more at the Visitors Centre, or enjoy some outdoor fun in the adventure playground. It’s a day out for the whole family!
Bute boasts spectacular beaches including Ett rick Bay in the north - home to a tearoom where you can grab an ice cream and take a walk along the mile-long golden sand. With a playpark and glamping pods, its the perfect base.
BUTE
HAND PICKED
Top things to see, do and experience
moUNT STUArT A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive, colourful gardens, Mount Stuart is one of Scotland’s most striking and unusual stately homes. mountstuart.com
THE WEST ISlAND WAY A long-distance footpath around the island, this 45k route can be split into three day-long sections. it covers varied landscapes including beaches, moor and farmland. walkhighlands.co.uk pAVIlIoN AND pIEr Due to reopen this year, Rothesay Pavilion is an A listed 1930s building set to become a cultural hub. its modern design contrasts with the town’s historic pier, which is known for its ornate victorian toilets. rothesaypavilion.co.uk
