Isle of Bute

From Free net encyclopedia

Bute is one of the islands of the lower Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Formerly part of the county of Buteshire, it now constitutes part of the council area of Argyll and Bute. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 7,228.

1 Geography
2 History
3 Transport
4 Economy
5 Attractions
6 Famous people
7 External links

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Geography

Image:Bute satellite.jpg Bute lies in the Firth of Clyde. The only town on the island, Rothesay (Template:Gbmapping) is linked by ferry to the mainland. Other villages on the island include;

Bute is divided in two by the Highland Boundary Fault. North of the fault the island is hilly and largely uncultivated with extensive areas of forestry. To the south of the fault the terrain is smoother and highly cultivated although in the far south is to be found the island's most rugged terrain around Glen Callum. Loch Fad is Bute's largest body of freshwater and runs along the faultline.

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.

In the north Bute is separated from the Cowal peninsula by the Kyles of Bute.

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History

It is likely that before the Gaels arrived and absorbed Bute into the Cenél Comgall of Dál Riata that the island was home to a people who spoke a Brythonic language (akin to modern day Welsh). Later during the viking period the island was known as Rothesay and the main town on the island was Bute. Presumably widespread and long term mis-use of the titles was eventually officially recognised and the names were swapped to reflect popular usage. Perhaps in the future history will repeat itself and the same exchange of names may occur to rectify the popular Glaswegian confusion of Millport with Cumbrae!

After the viking period the island was not granted to the Lord of the Isles as were most of the islands off Scotland's west coast. Instead Bute became the personal property of the Scottish monarchy.

In the 1940s and 1950s Bute served as a large naval headquarters.

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Transport

Bute is connected with the Scottish mainland by two Caledonian MacBrayne ferries:

Rothesay to Wemyss Bay
Rhubodach to Colintraive

A third ferry route connects the west coast of the island to neighbouring Inchmarnock.

In summer the paddle steamer PS Waverley calls in at Rothesay on regular cruises.

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Economy

Farming and Tourism are the main industries on the island although Fishing and Forestry also play a role. Privately owned businesses include;

The Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Company
Bute Fabrics, a textiles company run owned by Johnny Bute.
The Scottish Mead Company

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Attractions

Image:Scalpsie Bay.jpg Architectural attractions on the island include the ruined twelfth century St Blane's Chapel on a site associated with Saint Catan and Saint Blane, who was born on Bute. Another ruined chapel, dating from the sixth century, lies at St Ninian's Point. The eccentric Mount Stuart House, one the world's most impressive neo-Gothic mansions, brings many architectural students from Glasgow on day-trips. There is also Rothesay Castle, built 800 years ago by the hereditary High Steward of Scotland. The 1920's Winter Garden now houses the 'Isle of Bute Discovery Centre', where details of current attractions and events can be found.

Other attractions include a variety of music, folk and poetry festivals, and walking trails and new cycling routes. There are a variety of remote Bronze Age stone circles and early-Christian remains, which are best appreciated by first visiting the Bute Museum of the island's history.

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Famous people

Famous Bute people include writer and scholar John William Mackail; & critic, journalist and poet John Sterling. John Sterling's son was Major-General John Barton Sterling. Film director Lord Attenborough has made his home on the island, as did actor Edmund Kean before him. Singer Lena Zavaroni was born and grew up in the town of Rothesay on the island.

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