Have you heard about Here To Hear You? It’s an opportunity for people to have a conversation with their council’s leadership and share their views on the big issues for the place where they live The Here To Hear You series of community conversations is taking place all over Argyll and Bute The next sessions will take place on the Isle of Bute and Dunoon People in both communities are invited to come along and talk with Argyll and Bute Council Leader Pippa and Jim are keen to hear from you first and foremost about these questions and anything else you’d like to share about the place where you live: This series of community conversations is part of a commitment made in Argyll and Bute Council’s strategic Priorities. Jim and Pippa are visiting communities across Argyll and Bute and its islands to engage with communities at grassroots level and using what they hear to help make local life and services better “Communities and their council have a couple of key things in common We’re both adapting to considerable challenges and changes and we’re both committed to ensuring local life is as vibrant and successful as we can make it,” said Jim  “There are areas of common ground as we consider together in conversation the places where we all live There will be ways of working together we’ve not yet thought of We believe that hearing straight from you is one of the best ways for all of us to make the most of what we have in common  “We particularly want to hear from people who may not otherwise have a chance to speak up but who have plenty to share Hearing directly from you is the priority for us What you have to say will help us shape our services find ways of working together and adding our voice to yours where it counts constructive conversations with as many local people as possible.” Details for the events on Bute and in Dunoon are below but please sign up in advance at the links below the conversations start at 6pm and are expected to finish around 7.30pm Please bring along a mobile phone if you can to take part in an interactive session Isle of Bute: Wednesday 14th May 2025, Bank of Ideas, Rothesay – sign up at Here To Hear You Bute. Dunoon: Thursday 15th May 2025, Queen’s Hall – register at Here To Hear You Dunoon. You can also share any questions or thoughts in advance by getting in touch at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk – please put Here To Hear You Bute or Dunoon in the subject line.ENDS Enquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk The Sulking Room is bringing a new kind of social elegance to the island James Bayley explores how this glamorous new venue is shaking up the drinks scene in Rothesay On the waterfront of Rothesay, a new bar is turning heads with its velvet-clad interiors and elegant pours. The Sulking Room, the Isle of Bute’s first dedicated wine, whisky and cocktail bar opened its doors over Easter weekend and has already made a striking impression on the island’s residents and visitors The Sulking Room is the creation of local entrepreneur Erin Murphy already known for Gather Deli and its successful series of supper clubs Speaking exclusively to the drinks business Murphy said the idea grew from her own experience of working away from home and often dining alone “I grew up with family gatherings in proper pubs but I knew that not everyone feels confident to go out on their own,” she explained “Bute was once said to have the most pubs per capita in the country Murphy envisioned a space that felt both glamorous and inclusive “I really felt Bute was missing somewhere that was designed for women but we are leading with a women-first mindset.” The name came from a blend of family humour and French inspiration “Boudoir” traditionally refers to a woman’s private room “My dad always told me to go to my room until I’d cheered up,” Murphy said “Now I’ve built one I actually want to be in.” Murphy developed the idea alongside David Murphy a chef of more than 20 years who had joined the team at Gather Deli they moved the deli to East Princes Street and trialled the wine-and-cheese model that would become central to The Sulking Room “We see the two businesses as sisters rather than twins,” David told db “The Sulking Room offers delicious cheeses brilliant cocktails and tasteful live music The deli has a more casual daytime feel with fresh breads and continues to host regular supper clubs.” The soft launch included live music from David himself saxophonist Jim Holland and family friend Skye Edwards of Morcheeba “We want it to feel more like someone singing at a lovely dinner party,” he said The new bar’s beauty is matched by its thoughtful design Murphy’s vision was shaped by frustration at the lack of accessible venues on the island for wheelchair users and families with young children “In 2021 I did a full audit of food and drink premises on Bute,” she said and had wheelchair access and baby change facilities.” The research guided every aspect of the new space Murphy eventually purchased a larger property with space for generous outdoor seating and easy access while Gather Deli operates next door at No “The building was originally Bute’s town hall “We’ve really loved bringing it back to life People are genuinely grateful we’ve opened.” The Sulking Room arrives at a time of quiet reinvention for the Isle of Bute’s hospitality scene. In 2021, the local community famously raised more than £92,000 to save The Anchor Tavern in Port Bannatyne, the village’s last pub, as reported by the BBC now owned by the Port Bannatyne Development Trust and reflects the island’s strong community spirit taps into that same sense of local pride and possibility “The response from women in particular has been amazing,” Murphy said “We’ve had people coming in alone for a glass of wine and a cheeseboard couples on dates and families with grandparents and dogs.” With the summer season approaching and visitors preparing to explore Scotland’s most accessible island The Sulking Room is already proving to be more than just a bar It is a stylish and welcoming new chapter for Bute’s evolving social scene We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again several families ended up more than 2,000 miles away in Rothesay a small town on the island with a few thousand residents The fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime in Syria last year has given those who fled a glimmer of hope of one day returning - but many feel happy and settled with Bute as their new home Read more: 'We can finally return to Syria, but this island is our home' ShareSaveKevin Booth: The betting tycoon who preyed on womenKevin Booth's former partner Tammy Conner says she fears someone could die if he is not stopped. Why has Scotland had its warmest day of the year?Sustained high pressure has seen temperatures rise over early April with chances Scotland could see its warmest day of the year so far. Ex-partner's warning over racing tipster who 'tortured' womenTammy Conner told the BBC that someone could end up dead at the hands of her ex-partner Kevin Booth. We're celebrating Scotland while New York protests - CummingAlan Cumming is in the US city to lead the Tartan Day Parade through Manhattan as its Grand Marshall. Watch: Scotland's oldest electricity pylons pulled downAgeing steel towers are being replaced by smaller wooden pylons in parts of the west of Scotland. The 85-year-old still working on dry stone dykesDave Goulder was named in the New Year’s Honours list for services to dry stane dyking. Whisky scammers 'knew about my terminal diagnosis'Victims have been conned out of millions of pounds in a whisky barrel investment scam, a BBC investigation has found. Five years since lockdown'Quaran-teens' - five years since lockdown The Scottish record shops dubbed 'world's greatest'Two record shops in Scotland were recently featured on a "world's greatest" list with others across the world. The young musician aiming to preserve a Black Isle dialectMusician Grace Stewart-Skinner is creating a music album to celebrate the fishing heritage of a Black Isle village Otter wreaks havoc in family kitchen in Shetland14 Mar 2025Scotland'We're sometimes frightened to run the central heating'A couple begin their legal challenge against UK and Scottish government decisions to cut winter fuel payments. Golf star Cruickshank 'deserves his place in history'A new exhibition hopes to raise the profile of the Highland golfer who became a star in the US. Black kept ADHD diagnosis private at 'toxic' WestminsterDiscovering she had ADHD was like being handed "an instruction manual for her my brain", former SNP MP Mhairi Black reveals. 'I feel 27 years in Holyrood is right time to move on' - Robison'I feel 27 years in Holyrood is right time to move on' - Shona Robison Look back at President Eisenhower's visit to BalmoralArchive footage shows President Dwight D Eisenhower visiting Balmoral in 1959, when he described it as his "Scottish White House". Parade of planets to line up across night skyMars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn will all be briefly visible in the evening sky. Islanders' films show life in the 1970sThe films were part of a project aimed at capturing every day life in the Western Isles. Mourning our loved ones among graves of other drug victimsJayne Donn says her son, James, died in 2022 from a drug overdose aged 29. Police Scotland said it was made aware of a wildfire at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886 on Saturday. Police Scotland said it was made aware of a wildfire at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886 at around 11.40am on Saturday. The force urged members of the public to avoid the area and to stay away from the footpaths until future notice. It comes after emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire off the A844 on Bute on Tuesday. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been battling multiple wildfires across the country as an “extreme risk” alert remains in place. Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS, said: “Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we’ve seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby. “Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control. “As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. “Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.” A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “We did attend earlier, we are happy there is no threat to life or property. “There was no action required from ourselves… the crews are on the Isle of Bute.” A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 11.40am on Saturday, April 12, 2025, we were made aware of a wildfire in the northern area of the Isle of Bute at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886. “The incident is ongoing and the area is closed. “Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths until further notice.” STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" whisky and cocktail bar opened last weekend The Sulking Room in Rothesay is the brain-child of Erin Murphy who also runs Gather Deli in the seaside town and who has said that she saw a gap in the market for somewhere designed with women at the centre of the offering the business has been developed with chef David Murphy who also works with Erin at Gather and together they are offering cheese boards along with the menu of artisan foods Privacy Policy Over the Easter weekend residents of a Scottish island raised a glass to the opening of its first wine bar Nestled in the heart of Rothesay with views over the marina and across to the hills of Cowal The Sulking Room promises to be more than just a bar.  it offers a space historically meant for women to retreat intimate haven where everyone — and especially women — can feel welcome and comfortable.  guests are transported into another age of indulgence and glamour rich textures and eye-catching chandeliers Outside seating invites guests to sip and savour while watching the yachts on the water until sunset.  expertly trained bar staff offering specialist cocktails The Sulking Room is ideal for after-work drinks To compliment a glass of wine or evening cocktail beautifully presented cheese boards and artisan foods are also available.  The concept and design have been over six years in the making lovingly brought to life by local entrepreneur Erin Murphy — already known for her popular food business and shop Gather Deli on the island.  and Ms Murphy said “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve had for Gather including our recent sold-out Supper Clubs so we’re really excited to bring this latest addition to the island for everyone to enjoy”  Skye Edwards from the band Morcheeba and her family have spent the last four summers holidaying on Bute with Erin her partner Chris and their children Argyle (3) and Lonach (2).   She attended the opening of the bar and sang with Gather’s chef manager David Murphy - who is also behind the launch of The Sulking Room Skye performed a reworked cover of Nothing Compares - singing Nothing Compares to Bute.  The Sulking Room is located at 19 East Princes St Scottish direct mail and telemarketing firm CX Services has opened new premises in Rothesay was previously occupied by Allied Healthcare and will kick off operations with a team of eight “We have longstanding connections in Rothesay and we knew there was a shortage of jobs that we could help with,” said Greg Girard managing director and owner of CX Services we are helping ourselves while also helping the local community There are a number of people on Bute with extensive experience in the telemarketing sector and we are keen to harness their talents.” The Rothesay site has joined the firm’s print headquarters and warehouse in Dunoon and Cheshire warehouse as part of the firm’s expanding physical footprint CX Services’ choice of Rothesay is well in keeping with the company’s strong local social commitments and attention focused on providing employment in local areas rather than further afield Girard said: “We have chosen Rothesay to keep the business local but also because locating here gives us a new pool of talent to draw from.” added: “We are excited to be expanding and undertaking this new venture Following our recent fifth anniversary we are delighted to be offering employment opportunities to another rural area in Scotland.  “It has all been well received so far by the locals and we have had some great compliments from local businesses so the community seems really happy that there are new opportunities for employment on the island.” has ambitions to grow to £2.5m within five years Girard said: “One of our highest growth services is direct mail which has grown around 20% since before the pandemic companies have seen printed mail delivered by post really helping to drive orders and online sales.” The firm’s customers include Scottish apparel firm Houe of Bruar The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Highland Broadband The company also recently championed the benefits of hiring neurodiverse employees after hiring an "outstanding" apprentice with Girard telling Printweek “if just two or three businesses took in people with disabilities and supported them in the right way their contribution to society would be tenfold” Printweek welcomes informed debate, but please read our House Rules before posting Printweek is the premier website for the print industry The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70 million investment programme with Argyll and Bute Council to deliver vital economic growth for the area The 10 year Rural Growth Deal (RGD) for Argyll and Bute will see the Scottish and UK Governments each contributing £25 million to the programme and the council and its partners providing at least £20 million of match funding The RGD is designed to deliver at least 300 additional jobs training opportunities for more than 6,000 people and more than 70,000 additional visitors to the area every year Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "It was an absolute privilege to visit the Isle of Bute to sign the transformational £70 million Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal Being the final of Scotland's 12 city and growth deals This means a package of more than £3 billion UK Government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland "The UK Government is investing around £1.4 billion into important local projects across Scotland over the next 10 years - including £25 million for the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal. This is our Plan for Change in action working with the Scottish Government and local partners with investment and reform to turbocharge growth and put more money in people’s pockets." Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Argyll and Bute is full of potential with its rich history vibrant communities and abundance of natural resources “We are providing £25 million through this Deal to create jobs attract investment and secure the region’s economic future The Deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth “The Deal’s signing fulfils our commitment to ensuring that all areas of Scotland are supported by Growth Deal funding.” Councillor Jim Lynch said: “This is significant and very welcome investment in the economy and longer term future of Argyll and Bute Our area boasts a number of key industries that support not only our local economy but that of Scotland and the UK more widely “Scotland and the UK need rural and island areas like Argyll and Bute to succeed and this growth deal is key to achieving that success Partnership has been key in reaching this stage and will continue to be so I look forward to working with our national and local partners in transforming this investment into economic benefit for Argyll and Bute.” the first project expected to be delivered with support from the Rural Growth Deal The renovation of the 1938 Pavilion is designed to transform the building into a valuable resource for day-to-day life on Bute and a driver for the island economy as a national tourist destination Projects for delivery through the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal are: The RGD will provide £9m of funding to support the internal fit-out of the renovation and refurbishment of the Grade A Listed Rothesay Pavilion The transformation is about developing the Pavilion as a top cultural tourist destination for Scotland and a modern-day resource for residents and visitors to Bute the Pavilion is being developed as a leisure culture and entertainment hub for local communities and a driver for the local and wider economy The RGD will provide funding of £2m for a new water sports hub on Campbeltown Loch creating an outstanding natural destination for sailing and other water sports KSS currently operates from Campbeltown Sailing Club; however this facility no longer meets the required standards to sustain the increasing demand in the wide variety of water sports that exist in the community The proposed new development will see the existing site redeveloped to form a two-storey building that will house changing facilities Creating new Community STEM Hubs within the RGD will provide a platform for STEM engagement opportunities for people of all ages in Argyll and Bute £2.5 million funding from the Scottish Government will deliver modern aspirational facilities for online (remote) and face-to-face learning The RGD will also create two physical STEM Hubs – one in Dunoon and one within the European Marine Science Park near Oban This project will provide £1.5 million of funding from the Scottish Government to support UHI Argyll’s campus enhancements at their Construction and Renewables Centre (CERC) in Lochgilphead The proposal seeks to expand the scope of UHI Argyll’s STEM curriculum and significantly increase student volumes at the organisation’s construction and engineering hub in Lochgilphead to meet regional and national skills needs maximise job opportunities aligned with emerging technologies tackle the Climate Emergency and support the Just Transition to Net Zero Isle of Mull – Enabling Worker Accommodation Isle of Islay –building our island communities The RGD Housing proposals will be supported with an investment of up to £3 million from the Scottish Government The focus of this investment will be Mull and Islay Both islands have experienced pressure in the local housing market due to above average construction costs and competing demand from high levels of second home ownership and holiday accommodation These islands have also seen growth in local employment sectors such as tourism local workers and residents find it difficult to access accommodation The council will work with key stakeholders and community groups to explore innovative housing pilots to help provide local workers access to affordable The West Coast UAV Logistics and Training Hub project will be supported with investment of up to £4 million from the UK Government This project will involve investing in new business park infrastructure at Oban Airport to allow it to become a leading research and development centre for UAV technologies building on the success of recent pioneering trials using drone technology to provide essential services to some of Scotland’s most fragile rural and island communities The investment will deliver Scotland’s first specialised drone training and research centre It will also provide state-of-the-art hangars with maintenance facilities for UAVs and general aviation aircraft This project will be delivered by the University of Stirling supported by an investment of £3.8 million from the UK Government The RGD investment will enable research and development facilities to be upgraded at MIC to improve water quality provision of a controlled laboratory environment and disease challenge facilities These improvements will provide the facilities required to extend research and development opportunities for visiting researchers MIC will continue to support growth in the blue economy by increasing high-value jobs both directly through the additional research and support staff required and also by enabling the expansion of existing companies and the creation of new businesses through start-ups The Centre for Seaweed and Shellfish Innovation and Development (C-SSIDe) will be led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and supported by an RGD investment totalling £3.33 million with £1 million from the Scottish Government and £2.33 million from the UK Government This project will create a platform for industrial innovation that will allow a direct commercialisation of the world-leading research expertise at SAMS to catalyze growth in the area’s high-value seaweed and shellfish industries underpinning a diversified aquaculture system development The new facility will be located within the European Marine Science Park and will provide the necessary capability to upscale Scotland’s seaweed and shellfish industries at the same time as enabling the development of industry through access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities UHI Argyll will deliver this project with £6 million of funding from the Scottish Government and £1.83 million from the UK Government This investment will create a new state-of-the-art education and training facility to provide an inspiring and engaging environment for students It will support the growing aquaculture industry (currently worth £3.6 billion) and will directly and indirectly address the population decline and help to create local and regional employment opportunities Please see the council website for more information about the Rural Growth Deal in Argyll and Bute The 14-metre-long animal was resting in the shallow water and ocean traffic was asked to avoid the area. British Divers Marine Life Rescue received a report of the mammal in Ettrick Bay near the Isle of Bute on March 8. The 14-metre-long animal was resting in the shallow water, and ocean traffic was asked to avoid the area in an effort not to disturb the whale. Plans were formulated in the event that the animal became fully stranded, however, it died of natural causes the following day. Sperm whale strandings can be caused by malnutrition, illness, or injury, and they are not suitable to be refloated back to sea. The Firth of Clyde is too shallow to support the needs of a natural deep-diving sperm whale. It is believed that the animal had swam from the south coast of Ireland to the Firth of Clyde, covering around 500km in two weeks. The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme is carrying out a necropsy to discover more about the whale and the reasons for its stranding. Samuel Lindsay, ranger and ecologist for Bute Community Forest, is on his own doing what he can to the keep borders of the fire in check. A wildfire has been burning across the Isle of Bute for five days, with emergency services first being called to reports of a grass fire off the A844 on Bute on Tuesday. On Saturday, police said it was made aware of a wildfire at the Rhubodach Loop, just off the A886 at around 11.40am. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it had assessed the scene and found no threat to life or property. Mr Lindsay, who has been trying to put out flames with a beater, said the fire had gotten “wildly out of control” but seems to be easing off. “It started on the west side of the island, and it’s got wildly out of control. It’s burned over a square mile of heathland, and probably more than that now,” he said. “It’s now at the front, trying to reach the community forest, we’ve had the fire crews out and they’ve done a phenomenal job but there’s only so far they can go.” He added that the wildfires have been “apocalyptic” for wildlife in the area. “It’s hard to fully comprehend it until you’re in one, the fear that the animals must feel,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to think of the amount of voles, mice, lizards, frogs, insects, everything, that’s just been incinerated by this.” An “extreme” wildfire warning remains in place across Scotland until Saturday, April 12. Police Scotland urged members of the public have been urged to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths until future notice. SFRS urged the public to exercise caution if out and about in rural areas during the Easter holidays and avoid lighting outdoor fires. A spokesperson for the SFRS said: “We did attend earlier, we are happy there is no threat to life or property. “There was no action required from ourselves… the crews are on the Isle of Bute.” It’s an opportunity for people to have a conversation with their council’s leadership and share their views on the big issues for the place where they live.  The Isle of Coll is the location for the first island session of the programme on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 Arinagour for 12.30pm to talk with Argyll and Bute Council Leader about what’s important to people who live in the Isle of Coll.  They’re keen to hear from you first and foremost about these questions and anything else you’d like to share about the place where you live: This conversation with people on Coll is part of a commitment made in Argyll and Bute Council’s strategic Priorities. Jim and Pippa will visit communities across Argyll and Bute and its islands to engage with communities at grassroots level and using what they hear to help make local life and services better.  and we’re both committed to ensuring local life is as vibrant and successful as we can make it,” said Jim.  constructive conversations with as many local people as possible.”  please bring along a mobile phone on the day for an interactive session.  Emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire off the A844 at around 8.03am on Tuesday. Scottish Fire and Rescue Services dispatched four appliances to the scene where a fire was affecting around one square mile of grass. One appliance remains at the scene as of Thursday. It comes as SFRS issued an “extreme risk” alert across the southwest, eastern, central, and north of Scotland for Thursday. Fire services have been battling multiple blazes across the country over the past week including one at Galloway Forest Park, near Glentrool in Dumfries and Galloway, last Thursday. The blaze burned for at least four days and at its height, there were two appliances at the scene, assisted by two helicopters dousing the area with water. A group of campers, comprising of two fathers and their sons, were rescued by the Coastguard and airlifted to safety amid the chaos. Fire crews were first alerted to a blaze spreading across a large area of grass north of Loch Dee, last Thursday. More warm weather is set to continue in the days ahead with SFRS urging the public to exercise caution when out in rural areas during the Easter holidays. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.03am on Tuesday, April 8, to reports of grass on fire off the A844 on the Isle of Bute. “Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances to the scene where a fire was affecting an area of grass measuring approximately one square mile. “There are no reported casualties, and one fire appliance currently remains at the scene.” Home   News   National   Article A wildfire has broken out on the Isle of Bute Emergency services were called at 11.40am on Saturday to a wildfire in the northern area of the Isle of Bute at the Rhubodach Loop A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “The incident is ongoing and the area is closed “Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths until further notice.” A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “We did attend earlier we are happy there is no threat to life or property Deputy Travel EditorPublished: Invalid Date IF you want a fancy affair when going to the bathroom lays claim to being the home of the most beautiful toilets in the country One of the easiest islands to access from the mainland with ferries taking around 35 minutes from Wemyss Bay The island was once a popular day trip for people who came from Glasgow by paddle-steamer One of its main attractions is Rothesay Castle which dates back to the 13th and remains one of the best preserved in Scotland The other beautiful building is Mount Stuart, a stately home also open to the public with a number of innovative inventions at the time including lifts and an indoor pool Opening back in 1899, they cost around £530 at the time, which is £57, 782 in todays money. The beautiful patterned male toilets are the original ones, made out of marble and ceramic with copper pipes. Inside are 20 to choose from with a central station housing six of them offset with a potted plant in the middle. The toilets were even visited by royalty - King Charles visited when he was the Prince of Wales Other celebs have been spotted on the island in recent years too, including Chris Pine and Billy Connolly you can enjoy everything from alpaca walks to beach exploration Head back down south for both Scalpsire Bay - with red sand - and Kilchattan Bay The Ardencraig Gardens was even named a Scottish hidden gem And if you want to stay a bit longer on the island one of the most popular to choose is The Glenburn Hotel it was originally a "hydrotherapy retreat" for Victorian day-trippers and has since been converted into a three-star hotel it will reopen in March with rooms from £89 a night "The days are gone when most holidaying Glaswegians headed “doon the watter” to this stunning 15-mile-long isle in the Firth of Clyde but the beaches that attracted them are just as lovely as ever "Kilchattan Bay on the south coast is a local secret while Ettrick Bay out west is a family fave for its mile-long sands and old-school tea room serving some mean milkshakes." "Hit the most scenic stretch of the West Island Way from Kilchattan Bay and cut along the craggy coastline and rugged hills to the remote ruins of 13th-century St Blane’s Chapel." Here's another UK island that celebrates New Year on January 12. And this is what it is like to go to the 'happiest' island in the UK. Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ The deal includes the renovation of the grade A listed Rothesay Pavilion. The ten-year rural growth deal was put on hold last year but each Government has now committed £25 million, with the local council and others contributing a further £20 million. Part of the deal is £9m to finish the refurbishment of the 1938 art deco Rothesay Pavilion on the Isle of Bute, creating an events space, offices and cafe. Scottish aecretary Ian Murray and deputy first minister Kate Forbes took part in a signing ceremony in Rothesay on Monday, along with council leader Jim Lynch. Murray said: “It was an absolute privilege to visit the Isle of Bute to sign the transformational £70m Argyll and Bute rural growth deal. “Being the final of Scotland’s 12 city and growth deals, it was an extra special moment. “This means a package of more than £3bn UK Government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.” Forbes said: “Argyll and Bute is full of potential with its rich history, spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and abundance of natural resources. “We are providing £25m through this deal to create jobs, attract investment and secure the region’s economic future. “The deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science, support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth.” secured by Argyll and Bute Council will help increase capacity at Thomson Court Care Home on Rothesay enabling more residents on Bute to stay on the island and access health and social care.  The Council successfully secured £157,265 from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme to help deliver the first phase of major renovation works at the care home to create additional spaces for residents.  Argyll and Bute Council is already investing £250,000 to the project with the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) who are leading the project adding a further £573K The total amount for the renovations now stands at £980,000.  The first phase of renovation focuses on refurbishment redecorating and rewiring of the Dementia Day Care Unit wing of the building to include two new en suite rooms A second phase will follow to create three additional bedrooms with en suites for residents This increases the current capacity from nine to 14 Works will also include a complete rewiring of main areas in the home including the dining room entire first floor and the Phoenix Resource Centre.  the Council has successfully secured £1.5m of Islands Programme funding which has helped to deliver flood protection care facilities and housing enabling infrastructure on the islands of Mull Depute Leader of Argyll and Bute Council welcomed the additional funding: we know that access to health and social care are key priorities for many residents The addition of the Islands Programme funding will make a significant difference to the renovation of Thomson Court Care Home.  We are committed to securing ongoing investment for our island communities the latest funding is a welcome boost and means there is more capacity for residents to stay locally in familiar surroundings.” Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership “This is a real positive investment in Thomson Court and is great news for the people of Bute as it will allow us to increase the number of residents we can provide for within a much loved and needed facility on the island  I would also like to thank our partners Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government for their support and their investment in this project.” “Our infrastructure experts have worked closely with the island Local Authorities and Scottish Government to ensure the Islands Programme continues to deliver positive outcomes for the island communities “This new funding will go a long way to support repopulation and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the project teams to see their visions move into reality and achieve what the communities need most.” enhance and develop transformational and critical infrastructure projects community wealth principles to support inclusive island growth Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) administers the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government Argyll and Bute Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to launch an area-wide mobile coverage survey The survey is part of a partnership project with Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and will see network analysts Streetwave surveying mobile connectivity across more than 2,500 kilometres of road network in Argyll and Bute The council’s Digital Exclusion Fund is supporting the initiative The council established the fund to assist communities that are outside any commercial or government programme to secure a Superfast Broadband (SFB) connection The mapping exercise will be carried out using the council’s fleet of bin lorries to ensure thorough coverage of every address Volunteers will also use portable data collection units to measure connectivity in more remote areas This unique approach will provide unparalleled insight into mobile network performance It will deliver a much more technologically advanced picture than that currently available including signal strength upload and download speeds and which frequency (2,3,4 or 5G) an area is using The collected data will include signal strength and coverage details for all four major UK mobile operators: EE The results will help identify areas with limited coverage and guide improvements especially in remote communities where digital exclusion is a significant issue All data will be made available to residents and businesses through Streetwave’s free coverage checker helping them make informed choices about the best mobile networks in their area said: “This is a ground-breaking initiative that will be of huge benefit to our communities especially in some of our more remote locations By gathering precise data on mobile network performance we can better address digital exclusion and push for essential coverage improvements ensuring connectivity for all our residents and businesses Associate Director for Digital Connectivity at the Scottish Futures Trust said: “Working with the Scottish Government we are taking forward several initiatives across Scotland to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas by collaborating with mobile operators Gaining an accurate understanding of mobile coverage and true user experience is crucial to shaping our efforts and we are excited to collaborate with Streetwave and Argyll and Bute Council on this important project.” Vernon Kay will broadcast his show from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute on 23rd August Vernon announced the news on his show this morning that he’ll be doing his bit for the station’s six week campaign to get the nation moving and a bit more active this summer He’s been asking his listeners for suggestions as to what he could do for his own personal Let’s Move It challenge he revealed that on Friday 23rd August he’ll be attempting a caber toss in honour of the Bute Highland Games taking place that weekend He will be broadcasting his Friday morning show from there where he’ll attempt his challenge live on air Over the next two weeks Vernon will be training for his Let’s Move It caber tossing challenge which is he is calling his ‘Route To Bute’ I’m going to attempt a caber toss for a Highland Games special live from the Isle of Bute in Scotland “I’d better get training, maybe even get myself a kilt as well as I get started on my Route to Bute! If you’d like to join me in getting a little bit fitter, then check out bbc.co.uk/letsmoveit for some inspiration.” Get real time updates directly on you device Argyll and Bute Council is inviting people on the Isle of Bute to have their say on plans to make further improvements to the island’s walking and cycling links The projects builds on the success of recently completed active travel works in the area and makes allowance for potential future active travel connections It also addresses various aspects of the plans that the local community identified as priorities during an initial consultation earlier this year including more pedestrian crossing opportunities and making better use of the parking provision on Victoria Road and at Albert Pier The council has commissioned a specialist design team to undertake an options appraisal and concept design for the routes and with support from HITRANS and Transport Scotland is inviting people along to a drop in event at The Discover Centre on Wednesday 21 August between 4.30pm and 8pm said “We’re trying to encourage as many people as possible to travel to destinations without using their car where possible and we want to give people a better range of transport choices all of which contributes to our targets for a climate-friendly Argyll and Bute we need to have the right infrastructure in place “That is why it is important that people go along to this event so we can identify their needs to help shape our walking and cycling travel routes.” BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay will be broadcasting his show from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in a couple of weeks Vernon announced the news on his show this morning and that it’s for Let’s Move It the station’s six week campaign to get the nation moving and a bit more active this summer he has been asking his listeners for suggestions as to what he could do for his own personal Let’s Move It challenge Today he revealed that on Friday 23 August he’ll be attempting a caber toss in honour of the Bute Highland Games taking place that weekend He will be broadcasting his show from there on that day where he’ll attempt his challenge live on air for listeners “I’d better get training, maybe even get myself a kilt as well as I get started on my Route to Bute! If you’d like to join me in getting a little bit fitter, then check out www.bbc.co.uk/letsmoveit for some inspiration.” Officers thanked members of the public for their assistance. Thomas McMillan was last seen at around 9am on Friday in the Eskechraggan Farm area, near the B878 west of Rothesay. Police said on Saturday morning the 51-year-old had been traced “safe and well”. A HISTORIC Scottish castle has been put on the market for a bargain price - but potential buyers will have to share the space with a "friendly ghost" Wester Kames Castle located in Port Bannatyne but was reconstructed and refurbished in the 19th century The Category A listed building has a tower that stands four storeys high with a five-storey stair tower at the nortwest The property boasts four spacious bedrooms on the upper floors with the main bedroom on the fourth floor exclusively The living space occupies the entire first floor of the castle and benefits from fireplace with woodburning stove and incredible views over Kames Bay Wester Kames Castle is surrounded by open countryside and is in close proximity to the sea. The garden is around two acres in size and is mainly laid to lawn. But potential buyers might have to share their living space with a friendly ghost. The website states: "Once the castle was habitable it was let who had been governess to the German Royal family "She swore that the castle was haunted by the friendly ghost of a Spanish sea-captain and described how he would stand aside to let her pass on the stair and turn the music when she played the piano." The castle is being marketed by estate agents Savills Property agent Peter Walker said: "This is a beautiful listed Scottish castle is a stunning coastal location." Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here passengers are greeted by signs of Bute’s struggles – and successes Lined up behind the town’s palm tree-filled Victorian promenade once-grand derelict hotels and boarded up shops neighbour vibrant Older islanders reminisce about Rothesay’s time as a bustling seaside resort town and popular tourist destination in the 1950s would vie for space at the port to let off the next batch of tens of thousands of summer tourists who would help to sustain swathes of jobs and businesses the many appeals of the Firth of Clyde isle remain lush woodland and heather-clad moorland trail off in all directions from the port But the modern day battle in Bute is one against depopulation According to Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) data nearly one in five people left Bute between 2001 and 2020 – the largest exodus of any island ‘data zone’ Some are confident that a post-Covid population influx is reversing Bute’s depopulation trend and say a surge in Bute’s independent food drink and arts businesses represents a change of fortunes Others fear that a lack of affordable housing well paid jobs and higher education opportunities mean Bute will increasingly struggle to retain – and attract – young people Depopulation is caused when more people leave than move or return to a place, and when the number of deaths outstrips births. In their responses to a Scottish Government consultation islanders across the country said depopulation was the biggest issue they faced Influencing factors reported included access to agricultural land the proportion of islanders in Scotland aged 65 and over rose from 18 per cent to 26 per cent while the proportion of those under 25 fell from 28 per cent to 24 per cent according to SPICe analysis of National Records of Scotland data sustaining populations – and attracting and retaining young and working age people – is not just favourable there must be enough people to fill societal roles – as well to provide general support and friendship The Scottish Government previously announced a £50,000 grant to attract incomers to islands it was scrapped because islanders felt it did not tackle the root causes of depopulation The government said the sustainability of island communities is “vitally important” and last year announced an “addressing depopulation action plan” with an aim to publish it in 2023 While there is “no quick fix” to depopulation local and community partners to collectively deliver solutions When we visited the island in November, Bute residents said jobs and housing were the two most crucial factors that influence population But despite NRS figures pointing towards depopulation locals have witnessed the opposite trend since the pandemic it could take up to five years to sell a property “we don’t have enough homes for people living on the island Urbanites realised that “for the money that you will get for a city centre apartment “At one stage there was nothing available in Bute property… just incredible.” David Heriot tells us how demand for property in Bute “comes in waves” The Fyne Homes housing association board member who was a chartered surveyor in Argyll and Bute for 35 years attributes the fluctuations to “economic activity down south” “You’re slow to get the upturn but quite quick to get the downturn,” he says Rothesay’s tenements – many of which are lined up along the waterfront – are too small for families and the island’s relatively small population means that big housebuilders see no opportunity for new developments “We’ve got a bit of difficulty in the middle of the market,” adds Heriot with most homes too expensive for local salaries “It becomes a problem for people who are ‘truly local’ you might say.” The council insists that it is already tackling Bute’s reported housing shortage It has “invested millions” in building and refurbishing properties alongside partners including housing associations the Scottish Government promises that at least 10 per cent of the 110,000 affordable homes it aims to deliver by 2032 will be in “remote A spokesperson says an “action plan” to support housing efforts in such communities is underway Bute residents told The Ferret that areas with many holiday homes can become ghost towns for large parts of the year SPICe research found that just one per cent of Scotland’s homes were second homes six per cent of the homes in Argyll and Bute and the Western Isles were second homes – the highest proportions of all local authority areas – followed by four per cent in Orkney High concentrations of second homes can increase house prices, reduce housing supply and impact community cohesion, it found. The issue has led to calls for Scotland to adopt Norwegian-style laws which stop first homes being turned into second homes to protect housing stock Ian Sinclair is preparing to bring his horses in for the night The horses trot to their stables and happily eat their food the lifelong islander stokes his fire as he considers the drop in Bute’s population – something he feels has been fuelled by a shortage of jobs.  “You look back and see photos of Rothesay pier jam packed with people,” he says “I can remember that – all the activities they had for folk” Some 14 shops once existed in Kilchattan Bay alone He recalls a friend on his deathbed telling him “I didn’t think the village would die before I did.” Just days before we arrived in Bute, circuit board manufacturer FlexiTech folded after 30 years Almost everybody we speak to laments the loss of these well paid and worry the closure will fuel depopulation Sinclair has noticed the decline of the local fishing fleet boatyards and farming – the shrinking number of farms were followed by the loss of the creamery “I think farming on Bute is in a worrying state,” he says often lack “successive heirs” while the increased costs make the trade less viable – an issue that has left derelict farms dotted around the island But Sinclair is heartened by the young farmers moving to the island who give him hope for the next generation of farming on Bute He is also encouraged by the successes of companies like Bute Blacksmiths and Bute Fabrics – thriving fabrication and textile businesses with international customers The former council worker partly blames the consolidation of local government for the decline of the island’s employment prospects Rothesay Burgh was “a thriving body that employed all sorts of men that did all sorts of jobs” finances were levied and collected locally and “the island functioned and functioned well,” he claims “slowly things got pushed away to Argyll” when the modern council formed Sinclair hopes to see more thriving businesses on the island and a growing working age population “It depends what people want of Bute,” he says “Do they want it as a retirement community a retired Rothesay GP and long-term islander says Rothesay now feels like a “neglected seaside town” The typical inner health and mental problems he treated as a GP were more akin to an inner city than that of an island According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020 all but one of Rothesay’s seven data zones are in the top 30 per cent of Scotland’s most deprived areas – two are in the top 10 per cent Many of his six children would love to live on the island but would have to abandon their industries The island lacks higher education opportunities and the well-paid jobs needed to live comfortably and afford a home which makes attracting and retaining young people difficult Younger people are moving – and returning – says Alexander but mostly those with higher wage jobs that allow home working “These people weren’t here five years ago,” he adds While Alexander feels it is up to islanders to come up with initiatives to revive the island’s economic fortunes and attract tourism the local authority has failed to promote the island and even stopped cutting the grass on the shoreline years ago in years past As we walk along the waterfront’s Albert Place we spot a plea to the local authority beneath the dilapidated Royal Hotel Someone has graffitied “Council help stop Rothesay crumbling” on an empty shop window the iconic Rothesay Pavilion – a historic entertainment venue – remains closed more than seven years after it was shut for a £15m refurb It was stalled by the collapse of the building firm that took on the project In November, Argyll and Bute Council said that as part of its five-year plan it would work with the Rothesay Pavilion Charity Trust to lobby for funding to complete the refurbishment The council told The Ferret it had “invested extensively in Bute” for several decades and had applied for UK Government funding to restore the former Royal Hotel “into key worker housing” with three “substantial” building regeneration schemes in place The council, which has a region-wide tourism brand had also supported Bute companies and the business improvement district which is “taking over the promotion of the island to visitors,” a spokesperson added many in Bute’s vibrant artist community and food and drinks industry believe a homegrown groundswell of economic and employment opportunities is underway From the warmth of her Rothesay coffee and jewellery shop Mhairi McKenzie is telling us how a post-Covid influx of incomers and business activity could reverse Bute’s depopulation trend McKenzie left Bute for university and to experience city life “I’ve always felt a longing to come back to Bute,” she says she began feeling “locked in the city” and far from the sea The lockdown caused her TV editor husband to go freelance and work from home, giving her family “the opportunity to relocate.” McKenzie not only moved her laser-cut jewellery business, Bonnie Bling, to Bute, but co-founded the Isle of Bute Coffee Company alongside another Bute native and owner of a Glasgow coffee roastery Her Rothesay shop is the derelict former office of The Buteman, a local newspaper which, founded in 1854, closed in 2019. McKenzie had the building renovated and extended and, with a grant from Business Gateway Now targeting international customers via social media The entrepreneur is a Bute Kitchen representative which brings together around 50 local organisations to sell the isle as a food and drink destination The social enterprise visited Orkney to discover how the archipelago earned its status as a food and drink destination McKenzie believes the “cohesive approach” that led to Orkney’s success is now occurring in Bute and is leading to more events and investment “We’re meeting all sorts of interesting people that I didn’t even know existed on Bute,” she says “It’s bringing a really nice community together… People are full of ideas.” Bute businesses include a gin distillery a smokehouse and a vegan cheese factory – Bute’s largest employer Some companies have been buoyed by the continued custom of locals who relied on them during Covid-19 and by a wave of incomers from as far as the US and Australia A young family of incomers even took on the local fruit and veg shop when the former owner retired “Not everybody wants a fast paced city hustle lifestyle anymore – and that goes for the young people as well,” she says “The change in people’s lifestyle since covid has brought a fresh insight a fresh outlook for people who have decided to relocate.” McKenzie concedes that Bute has been “weary at points” but now sees “a real buzz and energy about the place” that signals a shift away from depopulation Previous Bute business initiatives had “happened individually,” adds McKenzie I think it’ll actually hit the tipping point this time and keep going I really hope this is it – I can feel it turning.” You can read Sargent and Zandonini’s investigations into island depopulation in Ireland and Italy via Noteworthy and the Investigative Reporting Project Italy Update: We originally stated that David Herriot worked as a chartered surveyor for Argyll and Bute council – he in fact worked within the region for clients including the council We also stated that Jean Moffat was the former chair of Bute Community Council We corrected these two claims at 13:10 on 2 February Looking forward to reading the rest of the series Surprised that there’s no mention of land ownership and its effects on the availability of land for housing the ability to establish community owned energy production etc etc I’d be interested to learn why that aspect of life on Bute didn’t feature in your article I visited Bute with my family on Good Friday and was amazed at how quiet it was on a sunny bank holiday I think it would really help to encourage visitors and new residents if it was quicker and less expensive to get to the island When it’s almost £50 for a return ticket for a family in a car and the ferry is only once an hour it’s going to put people off There is plenty of land or farmhouses that are wasting away that could provide homesteads or small business jobs to local people The councils won’t contribute highly to Bute as the Mount Stuart owns it all and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The Ferret is published by The Ferret Media Ltd, Registered Society, RS0040088. Manage cookie consent Because it’s glamorous to not just get away but get far away Disconnecting from the real world is much easier when you are surrounded by glistening waters Yet such an escape doesn’t require a jaunt overseas There are plenty of beautiful islands right on our doorstep in Britain The delights of these windswept destinations don’t require days of endless sunshine (which is just as well as the summer weather seems to have abandoned these fair isles) Leave the clifftops of Madeira behind for the old world glamour of Agatha Christie's second home Olivia Henson tied the knot with Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, in the society wedding of the year. Now, the new Duchess of Westminster has announced that she is pregnant. As the Grosvenors no doubt celebrate the good news, let Tatler introduce you to the chaterlaine of Eaton Hall take your seat at Nettlefood for Exmoor caviar - an experience incomplete without a Seaside Martini made from Cornish samphire gin Or swirl into black tie for dinner in the Grand Ballroom where copper-domed trolleys arrive baring racks of lamb and lemon sole offering the most innocent of seaside pleasures such as swims in the seawater lagoon known as Mermaid Pool The glamorous island setting could come straight from the pages of Christie’s Evil Under the Sun the nostalgic Scottish isle that’s always ready for an aristocrat Set in the Firth of Clyde by Argyll, Bute is a rough gem bursting with nostalgia. When this writer finally did get there, she discovered an early 20th century time capsule. The Rothesay shoreline is peppered with ice cream parlours, trinket shops and an Edwardian bandstand that fits right into the Mary Poppins dreamscape. Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Chester where we lay our scene … It is famous for its astrological stained-glass windows and Stella McCartney's 2003 wedding to Alasdhair Willis it could also be yours for a very five-star holiday But a bounty of walks and a fresh sea breeze provide plenty of inspiration for writers Bute takes on a kind of Wuthering Heights magic; and when the sun comes out Wild winds and cycle paths make Isle of Wight a match made in heaven for Ile de Ré devotees Looking towards Freshwater Bay from Tennyson Down With dedicated cycle tracks that whisk riders through vineyards by beaches and through the sweetest of towns Isle of Wight is Ile de Ré's soul sister It also happens to be the sailing capital of Britain Phillips, who recently separated from his partner of three years Lindsay Wallace, has wasted no time introducing Harriet Sperling to the family which sits right on the water and has its own Richard Branson's Caribbean paradise won't be missed from the shores of his sister's Scottish private island Remote is an understatement when it comes to Eilean Shona. Formerly owned by Lady Howard de Walden, Captain Swinburne and leased to the writer JM Barrie, it has since 1995 been under the private ownership of Vanessa Branson. Come here for geographic drama: the island is shrouded in trees and set at the heart of Loch Moidart. It is a Highland paradise of vibrant azure and emerald. It offers, Branson has said, ‘a profound sense of peace.' And that starts from Eilean Shona House, the nine-bed, 18th-century homestead, where you can pour over Shakespeare in the Victorian library, play snooker in the billard room, and dine around the 20-person Edwardian table. There, traditional tartans meet modern artworks and muddy hiking boots. King Charles and Sir Alexander Fleming are among those to have stayed at the luxurious villa in northern Italy as they do once a year for an annual gathering that encompasses the whole family and hike or kayak around the island before stopping at Shoe Bay for mussels cooked by the staff See you at sunset on the beach with a bottle of Sancerre Tropical beach clubs and cerulean sea aren't exclusive to St Barts: one Scilly isle has upped its game The best thing about summers on Tresco is the pace of life. It's island time. The day's pace is set by the tide, so everything just feels more laid back and relaxed. Stay in one of the eight cottages scattered across that island that are managed by Tresco Abbey, where you can absorb the sleepy charm of the island; even in the height of summer, you can walk onto one of the most beautiful beaches – Pentle, Appletree, Blockhouse – and have it entirely to yourself. German glitterati, Spanish socialites and every British It Girl under the sun – including Tatler’s Harriet Kean – goes to the SHA Wellness Clinic. But what’s all the fuss about? Harriet Kean reports mica-specked beach lapped by cobalt waters is a feeling that never gets old Tresco is only 28 miles from the mainland – and by far the best way to get there is with Penzance Helicopters and the aerial views of the Cornish coast and the islands are just out of this world and both team with BoBos - the bohemian bourgeoisie Name a socialite that isn't obsessed with Ibiza and the Isle of Sirens The White Isle is known both as a global party capital and for its spirituality - particularly among creatives located on the English peninsula of Thanet is comparable in its artistic sensibility - and reputation for a good night out dine on fish caught from small boats at Sargasso (the seaside outpost of London restaurant Brawn) Stay at Fort Road Hotel the brand-new opening from longtime collaborators private residential developer Gabriel Chipperfield and artist Purchased at auction four years ago in an advanced state of decay the building has been rebuilt and reimagined with distinctive colour schemes carefully selected artworks and period furniture adorn Enjoy the panoramic views form the private roof terrace and food overseen by the legendary Gioconda Scott Argyll and Bute Council is working in partnership with the new owner of the former Royal Hotel in Rothesay to develop a project to restore the grade B-listed building The project seeks to protect the key heritage asset that has been empty for over 15 years and is one of the first buildings that people see as they approach Rothesay by ferry occupying a prominent location within the conservation area The council is working with owner George Hanson and other members of the community to set up a non-profit social enterprise to take this project forward and attract funding to bring the building back into productive use for community benefit A key aspect of attracting funding will be demonstrating public support for the project said: “The former Royal Hotel is a prominent building in Rothesay’s historical townscape so we are delighted to be able to support this new venture and provide help and advice to reinstate it.” The UK press claimed the refugees who settled on this island in the Firth of Clyde hated it but novelist Sophie Cooke finds it full of great food beaches – and more than a few contented Syrians Once the beach resort of choice for fashionable Glaswegians, the Isle of Bute lies in the Firth of Clyde, a short distance from Scotland’s biggest city. This year, it became more famous as the place refugees from Syria said they wanted to leave Focusing on a run-down economy familiar to many British seaside resorts the UK press painted Bute as a place with no future as well as old-style pubs and ice-cream makers Mount Stuart House has an absorbing art collection and also a restaurant and self-catering cottages Photograph: AlamyThe council’s decision to house refugees in unused accommodation here has mainly gone down well: most of the Syrians say they like life on this little island and most of the locals have welcomed them with open arms Dropping into the Rothesay shops to pick up groceries I overheard an elderly Buteman greeting one of the dads with a broad smile over the boxes of Scottish Blend teabags and tablet my boyfriend and I stayed in a self-catering converted stable on the Mont Stuart estate – a chic and cosy place with slate floors Kilchattan Bay Photograph: Getty Images/Moment OpenMount Stuart was the ancestral home of Bute’s landowners built by a Marquess of Bute who also happened to be the richest man in Britain at the time the Victorian Gothic house was designed by Robert Rowand Anderson so entering its main hall feels like stepping into a cathedral The decor revolves around religion and the stars they need to be assured that their good fortune is part of the order of the universe while signs of the zodiac bloom on the stained-glass windows The stars are clear prisms casting balls of rainbow light on the floor below Families at Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute Photograph: AlamyAcademics come from the universities of Oxford and Yale to work on the collections in Mount Stuart’s libraries an original Shakespeare folio turned up there: it’s on display upstairs But I got just as much pleasure from the house itself I found a rose engraved on the hinge-plate of a door and bees carved into a pillar wreathed in oak leaves and acorns Every nook is crammed with hand-worked detail with pieces of history thrown in – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s pistols Those staying on the estate get a free pass to visit the house they can wander down through its quiet lawns and tree-lined walks to the rocky shore We loved watching the seals bask in the evening sunshine here Another view of Rothesay Photograph: Getty ImagesBute has a rare blend of worldliness and wilderness Beyond the up-and-coming town of Rothesay are peaceful The West Island Way runs the length of the island I passed the ruined monastery of Saint Blane hidden in a green fold in the hills: among stone arches sit the graves of monks slaughtered by Viking raiders I stopped for a picnic on a bench under a wind-blown tree The ridges of a prehistoric hill fort jutted against the sea with the mountains of Arran rising mistily in the distance We spent another day touring the island’s beaches where we bought lovely ice-cream cones; St Ninians where I picked rose quartz pebbles from the beach – there’s also a small campsite here; Scalpsie a broad bay shimmering with wildflowers; and Kilchattan with its steep hill and friendly pub at Kingarth St Ninians with the Isle of Arran beyond. Photograph: AlamyThe island is big on renewables, and self-sufficiency. Local charity Fyne Futures runs a large organic market garden in Rothesay where knowledgeable young men cultivate several local heritage vegetables but boxes can be ordered for delivery during your stay It was fun to prepare meals in the kitchen of our converted stable on the estate our meals were punctuated by visits from the chickens Sunday lunch (£16) at the Mount Stuart restaurant was superb: smoked salmon mousse with apple jelly and a cranachan millefeuille with lemon curd All the dishes used local produce and were served in a modernist glass room that felt like a treehouse situated above the new visitor centre at the entrance to the estate Some of the island’s younger residents arrived from Syria work here Liz’s Diner, on the seafront in RothesayIn Rothesay, my favourite place was Liz’s Diner It’s an American-style diner with tasty burgers (£3) I’ll look forward to coming back to Bute again For all its ancient monuments and rich Victorian heritage it seems like a place that’s happy to face 21st-century challenges with a smile A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry arrives at Rothesay Photograph: AlamyThe Isle of Bute is reached by ferry from Wemyss Bay which is a 40-minute drive by hire car from Glasgow airport Trains from Glasgow Central to Wemyss cost £12.90 return with scotrail.co.uk. Ferries with Caledonian MacBrayne (calmac.co.uk) from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay cost from £6.10 return and run hourly until 10pm in summer (7pm after 24 October) The crossing takes 30 minutes (keep an eye open for porpoises) More information on visiting Bute from visitscotland.com. Mount Stuart self-catering cottages (01244 356666, mountstuart.com) sleep between four and 12 and cost from £450 a week The Isle of Bute seaside resort where our writer spent childhood holidays has added a gin distillery and Syrian-made pastries to its perennial charms It’s the early 1970s and we’re in the Austin 1100 and Simon and Garfunkel on the eight-track We’re heading for the Firth of Clyde and the ferry to Rothesay my mum and dad might go for a wee night to Foley’s Hotel “Rothesay was chockablock during the Glasgow fair,” says my dad “People went to the dancing and up the road to Foley’s to sing songs Glasgow people loved getting a mic and getting up and being allowed to sing.” We’d stay in a wee room and kitchen – a small flat – overlooking the pier that was “to do” with my granda’s sister Maggie became the grandmother of actor Billy Boyd There’s a picture of my granda on Victoria Street with a paper for picking the horses under his arm and my mum (with a beehive) and my Auntie Pat walking along eating ice-creams – captured by the street photographer who was always there with his Box Brownie “He used to walk up and down where the putting green was Read moreThe sale of alcohol was forbidden on Sundays from 1853 except on the paddle steamers and so “steaming” drunk came into common parlance – male “steamers” had a great need to relieve themselves they’re served with homemade tartare sauce At Kilchattan Bay in the south, I’d look out across the upper Firth of Clyde to the mountains of Clyde Muirshiel on the mainland, and over to the island of Great Cumbrae. I could jump off again at Mount Stuart home of the marquesses of Bute and the first house in Scotland to use electric lighting and the first in the world to have a heated swimming pool Titians and Veroneses that line the walls or wander the 300 acres of gardens I’d stay in a sea-view room at Cadillac Kustomz Hotel and head to the Scottish Honky Tonk where the music crosses the Scottish love of country and western with the Alabama roots of owner Brody Jamieson would indulge me and play some Simon and Garfunkel I wonder if he won any money on the horses that day The Isle of Bute is set to open a new food and drink venue on 4th June to showcase the islands producers as well as the local arts scene the community project has the dual purpose of developing the Isle of Bute economy and its community through collaboration and answering the needs of the local food and drink sector for growth and expansion Bute Yard includes an indoor and outside space set within the historic buildings of Rothesay and includes a distillery operated by Isle of Bute Distillery and a pop-up café and event space which will be open for business year-round The main building opens out into an outside courtyard which will host monthly markets and events Bute Yard will host a calendar of owned and hired events and collaborate with the year-round programme of established island festivals and events Director of Bute Yard and Isle of Bute Smokehouse said “The opening of Bute Yard is a major milestone for the Isle of Bute and the wider food and drink scene in rural Scotland Bute has experienced an exciting revival in food and drink thanks to local producers like Isle of Bute Distillery and groups like Bute Kitchen Bute Yard will play a major role in providing a space that taps into our heritage as well as our future as a successful food destination The versatile space we’ve created at Bute Yard is truly inspiring and will form a unique and stimulating backdrop for a variety of events and memorable experiences “Bute Yard is very much at the centre of a vibrant regeneration on the island with a vision to establish the Isle of Bute as a food and drink destination and support the growth of local communities and businesses.” Co-Founder of Isle of Bute Distillery said “We are delighted to be moving into Bute Yard It’s been a three-year journey to arrive at this point since we first met with the late Johnny Bute to discuss and create a new venue of this kind “Bute Yard is now the permanent home of Isle of Bute Distillery and Bute Brew Co and we are excited to see the catalyst effect this venue will have on other small businesses on the island Bute Yard has created the platform that allowed us to revive Bute Brew Co after it closed in 2018 It’s the first success story of Bute Yard and we’re excited by what the future of the venue has in store.”