Isle of Bute · Scotland
Carol Nunan - Isle of Bute Printmaker
Sithean Studio, Rothesay
Tucked behind and above The Rothesay Pavilion on the beautiful Isle of Bute, Sithean Studio is a working printmaker's studio where you can see exactly how and where the work is made. Carol specialises in monotypes, collagraphs, and mixed monotype–collagraph art works — each handmade print is a one-of-a-kind result of plate, ink, and press.
The studio spills naturally into a small home gallery, where finished works hang alongside the tools of the trade. Carol will show you her printmaking plates, talk you through her processes, and — time allowing — offer a short printmaking demonstration.
Original prints, greeting cards, giclée prints and glass coasters are available to purchase during your visit — and can be shipped directly to your home address.
Your visit
Your party will be met off the ship at Rothesay ferry terminal by your hostwho will take you on a short walk along Rothesay’s Victorian Promenade, and up past The Pavilion to the studio, pointing out things of note along the way — a pleasant introduction to Rothesay before your visit begins.
Carol will welcome you into the studio and take time to find out a little about you — whether you come with an interest in printmaking already, or are discovering it for the first time. From there she will introduce you to her work, her inspiration, and the processes behind the work you see on the walls,
The remainder of your visit is unscheduled — browse the work, or settle in with a cup of tea and enjoy the view from the patio. On a fine day the garden is a lovely spot to sit, chat, and simply take in the surroundings. Homemade shortbread and Tunnock's Teacakes are on hand — a properly Scottish accompaniment. There is no obligation to buy, but should a piece catch your eye, Carol is happy to arrange shipping for anything that would be tricky to carry home.
The return walk to the ferry takes a different route. There is an option to make a short detour up to a lookout point at St Bride's Hermitage — one of the finest viewpoints on Bute, with sweeping views over Rothesay, Canada Hill and Rothesay Bay.
Please note: this tour involves a 10–15 minute walk from the ferry terminal. It includes a short, steep hill. Your return to Rothesay ferry terminal completes the loop, with an optional detour to the lookout is a short but steep climb, accessible via steps or a zigzag path. Guests should be reasonably fit and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Practical details
How to book
Studio visits on cruise excursion days are available exclusively through your ship's shore excursion programme. The studio is a small, intimate space and numbers are strictly limited — unscheduled visits on excursion days cannot be accommodated.
One studio session in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Intimate group of up to six guests at each session.