Escape To The Isle Of Bute This Summer!

March 29th 2024 (Edited May 12th 2026)

The annual Bute Studio Trail is one of the best reasons to make the ferry crossing to Bute — but far from the only one. If you're thinking of coming over, here's why you should make a weekend of it.

Come and See Me First

I'm VENUE 17 in the Bute Studio Trail brochure. My garden studio overlooks Rothesay Bay, where ferries, billionaire superyachts, tall ships and the iconic Waverley paddle steamer cross paths throughout the day — a scene that never fails to mesmerise. It's a short walk from the ferry port, and all studios are open between 10am and 5pm on Trail weekend July 20th and 21st.

Come and join me.

I'll share my creative process, demonstrate my printmaking techniques, and there will almost certainly be coffee. Whether you're a curious first-timer or a returning visitor, you're warmly welcome.

Monotype Print ‘Northern Lights’

More Than An Art Trail

With 34 other artists, makers and designers opening their doors across the island, the Trail alone will keep art lovers busy. But Bute has plenty more up its sleeve — which makes it ideal if you're travelling with people who need a little persuading, or if you want to give non-arty companions, children or grandchildren something wonderful to do while you lose yourself in the studios.

For outdoor enthusiasts: The island is perfect cycling territory — flat enough to be accessible, scenic enough to be memorable. E-bikes are available to rent. Walkers can explore the West Island Way or seek out standing stones and ancient ruins scattered across the island.

For wildlife lovers: Bute punches well above its weight. Roe deer frequent Skeog Wood, otters can be spotted if you know where to look, osprey fish at Loch Fad, and white-tailed eagles soar above the Kyles of Bute. Seals haul out at Scalpsie Bay, and the shorelines at Kilchattan Bay and St. Ninian's Bay teem with seabirds at low tide.

For water lovers: Wild swimming, sailing, paddle boarding and sea kayaking are all on offer. Just watch out for jellyfish in warmer weather.

For history buffs: Mount Stuart House and Gardens, Rothesay Castle, St. Blane's Church and Ardencraig Gardens are all worth your time.

For families: The off-grid Charcoal Huts in Bute Forest's temperate rainforest are a genuinely special place to stay — low-carbon, eco-friendly and brilliant for children.

Standing Stones at St. Ninian’s Bay

Seals off Scalpsie Beach

Mount Stuart

Gardens to see - Mount Stuart and Ardencraig Gardens

Ruins of St. Blane’s Chapel

Off-grid charcoal huts in Bute Forest

Take a look at Visit Bute website link for more information about where to stay and what to do on Bute

The Island's Summer Calendar

Bute hosts a full programme of events throughout the summer season — [UPDATE ANNUALLY] including Bute Song, ButeFest, Bute Noir Book Festival, the Highland Games, the Agricultural Show, and the Trails of Bute sheepdog trials, where you might spot Emma Gray from BBC's This Farming Life putting her dogs through their paces.

Come and find me anytime

My studio is open year-round, not just on Trail weekend. If you'd like to visit outside of the Trail, just give me a call to make sure I'm in. For the Trail itself, the Bute Studio Trail website has the full interactive map and brochure — and I've added my own walking map focused on the Rothesay studios, ideal if you're arriving on foot from the ferry.

I'd love to see you.

Calmac ferry and The Waverley Paddler Steamer crossing paths in the summer months

For further information, hints and tips for travelling to Bute take a look at this previous blog post that I wrote last year. There is also another blog post which also has some additional tips though some of the specifics like the interactive map doesn’t apply to this year.