Isle Of Bute

The Isle of Bute is a small Island of the lower Firth of Clyde in Scotland. The town on the Island is called Rothesay. The Island is linked by ferry service.

Only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, known as the Jewel of the Clyde. Because of its sheltered location the climate is quite mild.

The Island is divided in two by a natural fault line, with hilly and forest area in the North and the south is much smoother. Loch Fad is Bute's largest fresh water lake.

The western side of Bute is known for its beaches many of which enjoy fine views over the Sound of Bute towards Arran and Bute's smaller satellite island Inchmarnock. Straad is the only village on the west coast, around St. Ninian's Bay.

In the north, Bute is separated from the Cowal peninsula by the Kyles of Bute. The northern part of the island is sparsely populated, and the ferry terminal at Rhubodach connects the island to the mainland at Colintraive by the smaller of the island's two ferries. The crossing is one of the shortest, less than 300m, and takes only a few minutes but is busy because many tourists prefer the scenic route to the island

Farming and tourism offer the main employment and jobs in the area.

The properties are mostly Victorian and there is council housing on the Island.