A Day on the Island: Bute
1 day tour
Meet the Isle of Bute, an island off the coast of Scotland that is filled with savage history, wild landscapes, and fascinating folklore.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Isle of Bute - Just a short ferry ride away, this is your chance to explore one of Scotland's beautiful isles. From craggy moorlands to sandy beaches, Bute is a haven for nature lovers.
Mount Stuart* - This 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion is the ancestral seat of the Marquesses of Bute.
Rothesay - Stroll along the seaside promenade of this ancient royal burgh.
Sandy Beaches of Bute - No matter the weather, all of Bute’s beaches are worth a visit. Some have golden sand. Others red. On one you'll find WWII remains, and on another a chapel.
Your journey
During the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1661-62, six Scottish women were accused of witchcraft in the parish of Rothesay on Bute. The Bute Witches did not survive their interrogations, but their story remains.
But don't let that dark history spook you off. The Isle of Bute is so stunning, you might find it hard to believe something so sinister once took place here.
Scotland is more than its glorious landscapes. More than its sordid history. More than its passion and beauty. And on this day trip from Glasgow, you'll get to experience so much of what makes this country so unforgettable.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:00 (tour departs at 08:15) - Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Pick Up, Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (Stance between 23 to 32), Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW
19:00 - Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Drop Off, Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, and seniors over 60
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
Your tour departs Glasgow, heading along the south shores of the Clyde Estuary. Relax and enjoy the stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Argyllshire sea lochs and Highland mountains.
Travelling through the seaports of Greenock and Gourock, you continue down to the North Ayrshire coast to the quaint ferry port located at Weymss Bay. Take a deep breath as you sail across the Firth of Clyde before disembarking at Rothesay, the largest town on the Isle of Bute.
Your journey carries on to the ancestral seat of the marquesses of Bute, Mount Stuart*. This spectacular 19th-century neo-gothic mansion boasts ornate Gothic revival architecture, not to mention the wonderful grounds that are yours to explore. Back in 1877 when it was built, it was one of the most technologically advanced homes of its time. It was the first Scottish home with electricity and an indoor heated swimming pool. Luxury!
After a wee jaunt around Mount Stuart, you're back on the bus and it's time to relax as your driver-guide takes you for a scenic drive around the south side of the island. Time for a song request? Something dramatic to match the spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde. What a way to see the Highlands. Your driver-guide will make stops along the way. Get ready to curl your toes in the sand of the west coast's beautiful beaches. Make sure to keep an eye out for Bute's beautiful wildlife, from red squirrels to otters.
You head back to Rothesay and here the time is yours. Sample some of the local cuisine, explore the promenade, grab yourself a souvenir, or take in the beautiful castle ruins.
Now it's time to jump back on the ferry. Don't fret over leaving Bute behind, she's always waiting for you should you return. And you'll have your memories, photos, and souvenirs to enjoy on the drive back to Glasgow.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Mount Stuart - house and garden
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .