Bute, Island of
(Isle of Bute)

Extending southwards into the Firth of Clyde, the island of Bute lies between the Cowal peninsula and the Isle of Arran. It has an area of 12,217 ha (30,188 acres) and is largely owned by the Bute Estate. Loch Fada, which cuts diagonally across the centre of the island forms part of the Highland Boundary Fault, separating a wild, hilly landscape of Dalradian Schists to the north from the more reproductive arable land on old red sandstone to the south. Bute has a unique long-tailed field mouse and a trial reintroduction of the European beaver took place here in 1875. Rothesay, the main town on the island, is linked by ferry to Wemyss Bay and Rhubodach, at the northern tip of Bute, is connected by ferry to Colintraive on the opposite side of the narrow Kyles of Bute. Places of interest include Mount Stuart House and Gardens, Rothesay Castle, Kames Castle, St Blane's Chapel, St Mary's Chapel, Bute Museum and the settlements of Port Bannatyne, Kerrycroy, Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay. The island supports an annual jazz festival.

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