Isle of Bute tourist information

Perhaps the most accessible of the islands of the West coast of Scotland, the Isle of Bute has some beautiful scenery.

The island has been popular as a tourist destination since Victorian times, when paddle steamers brought visitors from Glasgow the short distance down the Firth of Clyde. The Waverley is the last of these vessels to make the journey and is the only remaining sea-going paddle steamer in the world.

The handsome town of Rothesay is much as it was in the 19th century heyday, and has at its centre the lovely ruin of Rothesay Castle with its picturesque moat. Other historic buildings on the island include the magnificent gothic Mount Stuart house, and Ascog Hall, with a unique Victorian fernery.

Away from the main resorts, the island has a more remote and wild feel. It is a great place to explore on foot, and the West Island Way takes walkers around most of the island's most scenic countryside.