Isle of Bute

Bute shown within Argyll and Bute

The Isle of Bute is one of the islands of the lower Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Formerly part of the county of Buteshire, it now constitutes part of the council area of Argyll and Bute. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 7,228. However, this figure was an exaggeration as many flats are in fact holidayhomes, but registered as main residences to avoid local taxation on city properties which were the true home residences. In winter there are probably fewer than 5,000 people on the isle.

Geography

Satellite image of the Isle of Bute

Bute lies in the Firth of Clyde. The only town on the island, Rothesay () is linked by ferry to the mainland. Other villages on the island include:
*Ardbeg
*Kerrycroy
*Kilchattan Bay
*Kingarth
*Port Bannatyne and Port Bannatyne Marina formerly known as Kamesburgh.
*Straad
*Rhubodach

Bute is divided in two by the Highland Boundary Fault. North of the fault the island is hilly and largely uncultivated with extensive areas of forestry. To the south of the fault the terrain is smoother and highly cultivated although in the far south is to be found the island's most rugged terrain around Glen Callum. Loch Fad is Bute's largest body of freshwater and runs along the faultline.

The western side of Bute is known for its beaches many of which enjoy fine views over the Sound of Bute towards Arran and Bute's smaller satellite island Inchmarnock. Straad is the only village on the west coast, around St. Ninian's Bay.

In the north, Bute is separated from the Cowal peninsula by the Kyles of Bute. The northern part of the island is sparsely populated, and the ferry terminal at Rhubodach connects the island to the mainland at Colintraive by the smaller of the island's two ferries. The crossing is one of the shortest, less than 300 m, and takes only a few minutes, but is busy because many tourists prefer the scenic route to the island

History

It is likely that before the Gaels arrived and absorbed Bute into the Cenél Comgall of Dál Riata that the island was home to a people who spoke a Brythonic language (akin to modern day Welsh). Later during the viking period the island was known as Rothesay and the main town on the island was Bute. Presumably widespread and long term mis-use of the titles was eventually officially recognised and the names were swapped to reflect popular usage. Perhaps in the future history will repeat itself and the same exchange of names may occur to rectify the popular Glaswegian confusion of Millport with Cumbrae!

After the viking period the island was not granted to the Lord of the Isles as were most of the islands off Scotland's west coast. Instead Bute became the personal property of the Scottish monarchy.

In the 1940s and 1950s Bute served as a large naval headquarters.

Transport

Bute is connected with the Scottish mainland by two Caledonian MacBrayne ferries:
*Rothesay to Wemyss Bay
*Rhubodach to ColintraiveA third ferry route (private) connects the west coast of the island to neighbouring Inchmarnock.

In summer the paddle steamer Waverley calls in at Rothesay on regular cruises.

There is a regular and good bus service along the eastern coast road, and a daily serviceconnecting the island into Argyll and the western highlands and islands. Many independentholiday makers find the island an ideal stepping-stone from Glasgow and Ayrshire intowestern scotland using this route.In summer there is an open top bus that tours around the island leaving from GuildfordSquare by the ferry at 1100 and 1300.

The main ferry to the island leaves from Wemyss Bay, a village on the A78, the coast roadbetween Glasgow and Ayr. Wemyss Bay is connected by rail to Paisley (for Glasgow InternationalAirport) and Glasgow Central station. Prestwick Airport (home of RyanAir) is connecteddirectly to Wemyss Bay by FASTBUS 585, which runs twice an hour.

Economy

Farming and Tourism are the main industries on the island although Fishing and Forestry also play a role. Privately owned businesses include;
* Rothesay Telephone Call Centre
* Port Bannatyne Marina and Boat Yard
* The Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company
*Bute Fabrics, a textiles company supported by Mount Stuart House
* The Scottish Mead Company

Attractions

Scalpsie Bay and raised beach looking south to the three hills Suidhe Chatain, Tor Mór and Suidhe Bhlain.

Architectural attractions on the island include the ruined twelfth century St Blane's Chapel on a site associated with Saint Catan and Saint Blane, who was born on Bute. Another ruined chapel, dating from the sixth century, lies at St Ninian's Point.

The eccentric Mount Stuart House, one the world's most impressive neo-Gothic mansions, brings many architectural students from Glasgow on day-trips.The 3rd Marquis had a passion for art,astrology,mysticism and religion and the housereflects this in the architecture, furnishings and art collection. There is a beautifulmarble chapel, much stained glass and walls of Old Masters, many depicting members of The Royal Family and of the Stuart family.The house is open at Easter and from May to October. Thereare extensive gardens with plants imported from many parts of the world, and a Visitor Centre.The gardens host a number of events throughout the year starting with an Easter Parade.The house can be contacted on +44 (0)1700 503877. It was in the chapel here that Stella,the daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, was married in 2003 amidst much media interest.

Another attraction for its architecture is the Pavilion, a 1930s edifice housing a concert hall, workshops and cafe. The Pavilion is little changed from when it was built. There is also Rothesay Castle, built 800 years ago by the hereditary High Steward of Scotland.Inside the fortified walls are halls open to the visitor witha video programme explaining the history.

Ascog Hall Fernery and Gardens are a renovated Victorian residence and glass-house containing shrubs and plants from all over the Empire, including a fern thought to be over 1,000 years old!

Loch Fad is a deep freshwater loch stocked with pike and brown trout available to visiting tourist fishermen. Boats are available to hire

The Old Post Office now used only for sorting mail, is an historic working post office (open mornings only) which houses a great many artifacts of the early post, some from before the advent of the postage stamp.

Scalpsie Bay has a colony of over 200 seals on its beach which must be reached by foot across the fields. The island also has many herds of deer, rich bird-life and some astoundingly large hares as well. The wild goat with large curled horns may be seen in the north of the island.

Port Bannatyne, a village towards the north of the island, is the centre for sailing and sea-fishing on the island. It has two boat yards and a marina for 200 vesselsunder construction. Langoustines are fished by creels anchored in the bay. It was in Kames Bay here that the midget X-Craft submarines were stationed duting World War II and there is a memorial to WWII dead. Port Bannatyne also boasts the CAMRA Scottish Pub of the Year 2005. Port Bannatyne Golf Club is another destination in the area, known for its scenic views from the course.

To the north of Port Bannatyne the highland wilderness stretches away attracting walkers, birdwatchers and those seeking peace and tranquility.The road from Port Bannatyne Marina goes seven miles along the waters-edge of the Kyles of Bute until it reaches the minor ferry over to Colintraive on the Argyll mainland.

The 1920s Winter-Gardens close to the Ferry Quay at Rothesay houses a small cinema and tourist information desk.

Other attractions include a variety of music, folk and poetry festivals, and walking trails and new cycling routes. There are a variety of remote Bronze Age stone circles, an iron-age fortified village, and early Christian remains (including St. Blanes Chapel,) which are best appreciated by first visiting the Bute Museum of the island's history.The Bute Museum is situated just behind Rothesay Castle.

Famous people

Famous Bute people include writer and scholar John William Mackail; & critic, journalist and poet John Sterling. John Sterling's son was Major-General John Barton Sterling. Film director Lord Attenborough has made his home on the island, as did actor Edmund Kean before him. Singer Lena Zavaroni was born and grew up in the town of Rothesay on the island.

Entomology

The Isle of Bute is known in entomological circles as the Island of Fleas. Thanks to the dedicated enthusiasm of local entomologist Robert Lawson 15 species havebeen identified on Bute and reported to The Royal Entomological Society. We review those here as a guide for visiting entomologists from overseas.

Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, 1800): The normal flea of the Brown Rat throughout The British Isles. The Rat's general abundance is put down to the preservation of game, for the game-keeperkills all the natural predators of the rat. This flea is the Vector of Bubonic Plague, "The Black Death".

Hystrichopsylla talpae talpae (Curtis, 1826): This is Britain's largest flea, commonly called The Mole Flea, but also found on voles, shrews and field mice. Its jumping abilities arerestricted by its weight.

Ischnopsyllus octactenus (Kolenati, 1856). This is the normal flea of the Pipistrel Bat, and the specimen was collected from a dead bat at Ballycaul Farm. Farm buildings are an invaluble habitatfor bats.

Megabothris walkeri (Rothschild, 1902). This is a vole flea collected from a dead stoat at Birgidale. The stoat generally carries the fleas of the species it preys upon, whichis everything from ground-nesting birds to rabbits.

Ceratophyllus columbae (Gervais, 1844) is the flea of the Rock Dove, collected from the caves at Dun-a-Goil, where human remains from palaeolithic times have also been discovered.

Ceratophyllus gallinae (Schrank) was collected from a feral pidgeon at Stravanan Farm, a derelict farm on the island. This particular flea is commonly found in the nest boxes of theblue tit.

Archaeopsylla erinacei (Rothschild, 1912) was found on a hedgehog at Stewart Hall, a fine 19th century Gentleman's country house.

Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835), the cat flea. Twenty years ago this flea was rarely ever found in Scotland, but due to modern housing central-heating, it has become very common.

Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale), the rabbit flea. Responsible for the spread of Myxomatosis.

Typhloceros poppei (spelling?), the field mouse flea.

Dasypsyllus gallinulae, found on birds.

Paleopsyllus minor (spelling?), found on moles.

Ceratopsyllus ganaei (spelling?) (Rotheschild) found on birds.

Amalaraeus penicilliger mustelae (Dale, 1878) found on voles.

Ctenophthalmus nobilis vulgaris (Smit, 1955) also found on voles.

Isle of Bute: Encyclopedia BETA

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