Rothesay
Rothesay is the main town on the Isle of Bute, offering holidaymakers an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island.
Our tours stay at the welcoming Glenburn Hotel, which offers wonderful terraced gardens and lovely views across Rothesay Bay to the Cowal Peninsula, all just a gentle bayside stroll away from the centre of the town.
Victorian Toilets
Just by the ferry port sits a slightly strange attraction, the Victorian Toilets, from the outside it looks like any other public toilet but they date back to 1899 and still retain their original features. The walls inside the building are adorned with the famous Scottish 'Wally' (a type of china) tiles and the decor, fixtures and fittings are almost completely original to the day they were built.
The wash hand basins are made of Wedgewood blue veined porcelain, above which there is a beautifully decorated dado rail of tiles. The whole place is in pristine condition and although it is the men’s toilets that are the real attraction, ladies can visit too, just check with the attendant that they are empty first! There is a small charge of 40p but it’s well worth spending a penny or two!
Mount Stuart
This stunning house in a beautiful setting is packed full of fascinating items and stories. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, heraldry, astrology or religion, you will find something to captivate you here. If you take a guided tour you will have two guides per group, this means the main guide can keep the tour moving while explaining the history of the family and the details of the interior design of the house, while the one guide at the back can gather up any stragglers, help those needing assistance and answer individual questions.
Dunoon
Argyll & The Isles is one of the best places in Scotland to see iconic wildlife, including golden eagles, red deer, otters, seals, puffins and more. On the south part, you will find Dunoon, the main town on the Cowal peninsula.
Travelling across Argyll mainland to Dunoon is a must, and get your cameras ready as it is filled with winding roads and beautiful scenery. Once you arrive in Dunnon there are lots of things to do and see. From two fine bays, beautiful parks and a four mile promenade to relax and stroll down.
A must see is the Dunoon Castle House Museum. Located on top of a hill next to the original castle in the Park, the museum is upstairs, but there is a lift. There is a lot of information about the locality as well as a Victorian Display in other rooms. The gift shop is well stocked & worth a look.
In the grounds the remains of the original Castle, as well as a statue to "Highland Mary" to whom Robbie Burns dedicated some poems too, can be found.
Tignhabruaich
Sitting on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute, Tighnabruaich is a pretty little village on the west coast of Scotland. There is a great number of cycle routes posted for the area and good selection of walking trails, plus excellent rock fishing can be had around the town too.
It would not be a visit to the coastal town without heading to Ostel Bay Beach. This wonderful beach is a hidden gem. To get there take a beautiful walk down from the lay by on the road through farmland, woodland and sand-dunes. The little farm at the start of the walk also serves drinks and food. When you arrive at the beach there is plenty of space for everyone and you can’t beat the stunning views across to Arran.