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Check AvailabilityRhubodach Cottage is a 3 bedroom self catering holiday accommodation that sleeps 5 and is located in Isle of Bute, Scotland. This property is pet friendly allowing for 1 pet. . Local to Rothesay, Port Bannatyne, Lochranza, Lochhead, Innellan
With stunning views over the Kyles of Bute, these detached holiday properties lie just yards from the shoreline. Bute offers lush, fertile and rolling hills, craggy, heather-covered moorlands, and sandy beaches around the coastline; it is a haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. Shop and pub 2 miles.
With stunning views over the Kyles of Bute, these detached holiday properties (refs SVVT and SVVU) lie just yards from the shoreline. Bute offers lush, fertile and rolling hills, craggy, heather-covered moorlands, and sandy beaches around the coastline; it is a haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Historical sites include standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. Events hosted include the annual jazz festival, Highland games, agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals. Shop and pub 2 miles.
Living room, open fire, loch views. Compact kitchen. Shower room, toilet. Double bedroom, 5ft 6in bed, loch views, en-suite bathroom, over-bath shower, toilet. Bunk bedroom (for +2 children up to 17 years). Single bedroom.
Situated on Lachlan Bay, Inver Cottage serves coffees, light lunches and evening meals. Interestingly, it also has an arts and crafts shop full of artwork produced by local skilled artists and craftsmen.
Popular with locals and seafood enthusiasts, Fin's specialties include lobster, oysters, scallops, home-smoked salmon and homely puddings. Housed in a converted barn with a conservatory extension, it's lively, friendly and informal.
Dunvalanree in Carradale, a founding member of The Seafood Trail, specialises in local produce, seafood, lamb, beef, cheese, beer and even whisky, offering guests a relaxing meal in convivial surroundings that they will recall with a smile for years to come.
The Oyster Bar is committed to producing and sourcing good food using sustainable methods. Enjoy a menu of traditional hearty dishes whilst taking in the breathtaking views.
Situated at Troon Yacht Haven, Scotts is a stunning bar and restaurant which looks out towards the picturesque Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Scotts offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a luxurious, comfortable interior that complements the panoramic view.
Quadmania is the place to go for outdoor pursuits in Scotland, it offers fun thrills and excitement to all its visitors. Set in more than 2,000 acres there is ample space to carry out the range of activities they offer including, quad biking, archery, clay shooting, gorge walking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking and sailing. Quadmania is conveniently located just over an hour from Glasgow in the stunning and dramatic Cowal Peninsula in Argyll. The activities range in age and ability so everyone can get involved in something and have fun. Quadmania offers great value for money and even offers multi-activity packages offering even better value, there is a package to suit all budgets. The staff are brilliant so friendly, professional and helpful and safety is paramount here, before you partake in any activity you are given a full safety briefing. All equipment is provided and it is well maintained so you don't need to take anything along. The quad trails incorporate a range of terrains and are therefore quite challenging but fun and the views are gorgeous, a great experience. If you are looking for something a little different that is fun and exciting then head to Quadmania for a fabulous time you will not be disappointed with your time here, in fact you will leave wanting to return to try another activity.
The Playbarn is located at Auchrannie Resort in Brodick, it offers a fun and safe environment for young children to play in. The indoor soft play area is set out over three levels, and there is also a teen zone, internet area, big screen TV, library and WI-FI as well as an outdoor play area and picnic area. The Trough serves a good selection of premium beverages and snacks that are reasonably priced, and offers a comfortable place to sit and observe the children playing. The Playbarn is clean and well maintained and the facilities are very good. The area is well supervised and the staff are friendly and helpful. The Playbarn offers lots to keep young visitors entertained in a clean and safe environment and the prices are very reasonable too.
Glasgow Delta Force Paintball offers fast paced fun for everyone! Test your mettle by exploring the battlefield without being discovered by the opposing team. Paintball days are offered as well as services for parties and youth groups. Delta Force even caters to the youngest paintball soldiers, with mini-paintball for 8 to 10 year olds.
Whether you are bringing along 10 people or 100, Geronimo Sailing is ready to show you the time of your lives! Hit the waves with one of the sailing packages currently offered. Serious boatsmen can join the Geronimo Yacht Club which claims to be one of the most innovative and modern of its kind!
A lofty range of mountains to the north of Glen Croe includes Ben Ime, the highest peak at 3,318ft. There are three other 'Munroes' (mountains over 3,000ft), but the best known peak, because of its curious rock formation summit, is 'The Cobbler' (Ben Arthur).
Argyll Forest Park welcomes visitors all year round and offers forest walks, mountain paths, spectacular views, car parks and picnic areas, cycle trails, horse riding and fishing.
You can tear up the turf on quad-bikes and shoot clays targets in the morning then kayak secluded lochs, explore ancient gorges and take an exhilarating rib-boat ride in the afternoon. Quadmania will organise your dream day in the stunning scenery of Argyll.
Based at Prestwick Airport, Mountain and Glen offers a range of carefully created adventures enabling anyone and everyone to experience the outdoors in a safe but challenging environment.
Learn to fly on the beautiful Isle of Arran, 'Scotland in miniature'. Flying Fever Paragliding School has operated for over ten years, teaching on Arran during the summer months. There are 30 + flying sites taking all wind directions, and suitable for beginners and experts alike.
A total of seven breathtaking golf courses reside on the gorgeous island of Arran. Visitors can take their pick as they test their skills with a challenging game in one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are numerous places to enjoy a bite to eat nearby so you can make it a full day of invigorating competition and relaxation.
Dundonald Links is relatively new on the golf scene but has already firmly established itself a leading course here in Scotland. It is a modern day classic links course and offers much enjoyment and plenty of challenges to all levels of golfers. In a beautiful setting along the coastline, you are afforded wonderful scenery and views and lots of natural hazards, the bunkers are difficult, and the greens quick and true. The overall course is beautifully kept and maintained and has a great layout. There is a clubhouse that has all amenities, it has a nice atmosphere, warm and welcoming and the choice and standard of food is high. The staff throughout were faultless, friendly, professional and extremely helpful. Dundonald Links might not have the glamour of other clubs but it provides a great course for an enjoyable game of golf, you can't complain about that. .
Gailes Links is a highly regarded and recognised world championship links course. It has an ideal position on the west coast of Scotland allowing year round golf in a stunning setting. It has been the home of a number of championship tournaments and as you would expect the course is first class. This immaculate course is a traditional links course, there are hidden pot bunkers to be avoided at all costs, natural hazards in the form of gorse and heather bushes and lots more challenges, it will accommodate all levels of player. The clubhouse is full of tradition and has a lovely warm and inviting atmosphere, the surroundings are comfortable and the menu is varied with lots to choose from and great value for money. Throughout you will find the staff to be courteous, friendly and professional enhancing your overall experience here. Gailes Links offers players a fantastic game of golf on a premier course, come see for yourself how great this club is.
Western Gailes Golf Club is a challenging links golf course, in a stunning location along the coastline and has spectacular scenery. The club has a long standing history dating back to 1897 and offers golfers a mixture of old and new, it is a club that honours traditions. The course itself offers a number of challenges, with natural hazards, blind shots, a continuos breeze off the Firth of Clyde, gorse bushes, beach and a burn that runs through three holes. It is a highly regarded course, well laid out and attracts many golfers from all over to play its pristine fairways and greens, that are beautifully maintained and kept. The staff too are superb from the moment you arrive till you leave you are well looked after and made to feel so welcome. The clubhouse is perfect, has great facilities, amazing views of the Firth of Clyde, nearby Isle of Arran and far beyond and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the menu is extensive and there is lots to choose from, the food is very good and value for money, lunch is generally included with your round of golf. There are other more prestigious courses close by but, Western Gailes Golf Club offers everything you need for a fantastic and exciting game of golf with the most amazing scenery too.
Ardencraig Gardens are located close to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The current gardens were previously part of the larger layout devised by Percy Cane for the owners of nearby Ardencraig House. Ardencraig Gardens are essentially a walled garden and were attained by Rothesay Town council in 1970 with the purpose of being used to forge a propagation, education and show garden. The gardens are well laid out and are beautifully maintained and are home to a lovely selection of native and exotic plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. When in bloom the gardens are a riot of colour and the air around is full of delicious fragrances. Within the glasshouses you will find a range of more exotic plant species such as orchids and cactus. Across from the gardens is a tearoom as well as a number of aviaries housing a selection of exotic bird species together with information about their natural habitat. Some of the plants on display are for sale. The gardens are open throughout the year and there is no charge for entry but they do accept donations. Ardencraig Gardens are charming and beautiful with a lovely tranquil atmosphere and offer something for all ages, children will love the aviary, the gardens are well worth a visit especially on a nice day.
The enchanting garden at Benmore lies in the magnificent mountainside setting of the Eachaig Valley. Among its many delights, a steep area of hillside has been developed to create plantings to represent the different flora of Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasm
Home to the Earls of Glasgow, Kelburn is a fun day out for the whole family with a working pottery, falconry, assault course and a secret forest.
Geilstown Garden can be found on the banks of the Clyde within, a small country estate. The whole estate is beautifully maintained, unfortunately the house is not accessible as it is undergoing renovations. The gardens were created more than 200 years ago and to this day are a delight, some of the nice features here are the walled garden and a burn, winding through the glen, a kitchen garden and woodland area. Within the walled garden is an impressive 100ft Wellingtonia tree in the heart of the lawn, during the summer this area is a riot of colour and aromas from the beautiful planting here. The Geilston Burn passes through the north end of the estate in the direction of the Clyde in Cardross. All seasons bring different things to see and experience here, so there is no best time to visit. During the summer they sell the plants and vegetables that are grown here. What will strike you is the peace and tranquillity here within this little haven. There is a tour guide who can take you around these lovely gardens and the forest walk and explain how the gardens came about and the many species of flower here, or you can wander on your own using the map provided. If you are in the area you should not miss Geilstown Gardens they are a real treat and make for a lovely place to pass a few hours in a relaxed setting.
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden is set on a hillside overlooking Loch Fyne and contains one of the finest collections of conifers in the British Isles. Although a garden for all seasons, its most spectacular time is spring and early summer.
Eglinton Country Park offers a place of peace and tranquillity amongst beautiful grounds, regardless of the season. This lovely country park offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy from, sedate county walks, play and picnic areas, horse riding, cycling, wildlife watching or fishing at the lochside. The park is beautifully maintained by the Countryside Rangers and they host a variety of events throughout the year to appeal to all ages, including conservation days, organised walks, willow weaving, nature based activities, an annual art exhibition and much more. The landscape is varied, with formal gardens, riverside, woodland, parkland and farmland so lots to see whilst here. There are specific trails and routes for walks, cycling and pony trekking. The castle ruins are nice and younger visitors like to explore and run about here. There is a lovely cafe that offers a nice place to relax with a tasty snack and drink, prices are reasonable and they have a good selection. Eglinton Country Park offers something for all ages, or just the opportunity to escape for some peace in beautiful surroundings, you will be not be disappointed.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is probably one of the most picturesque and impressive places to visit. The area is simply stunning, beautiful scenery, impressive mountains and glens, the beautiful Loch Lomond and so much to see and do, in this part of Scotland. This national park acts as a stage for so many activities both land and water, with everything from, sedate walks along the shore to canoeing and adrenalin mountain bike experiences, horse riding, golf, climbing, wildlife watching, water skiing, fishing, sailing and windsurfing to name a few. During the year an enormous choice of events take place including, nature walks, arts and crafts, Lochtoberfest, food and drink festivals and much more, it is worth checking the calendar of events to see what is on. A great way of getting around and seeing the many aspects of the park is on the water bus, it links many locations and runs from spring well into autumn. There are so many trails and walks, all are clearly marked and state difficulty, do some research on the parks Website to decide exactly what you want to see and do during your time here. The Visitor Centres are a great place to get information and also have facilities such as cafes, shops, information on guided tours, some have small cinemas with a light and sound show, working demonstrations of different crafts. Other areas of interest in the park are the children's play area and the high rope adventure park. You will not be stuck for things to do here, the problem will be fitting everything in. You could not find a more beautiful and interesting place to visit, you will be atounded by all there is to see and do.
Mount Stuart is on the Isle of Bute and located about five miles from the town of Rothesay. The house dates to the nineteenth century and is a neo gothic mansion, and represents a real Victorian extravagance and is a definite display of the family's wealth at the time. It is a house that was ahead of its time and is referred to as a house of innovation. It was a technological advanced house being the first home in the world to have a heated indoor swimming pool. It was also the first house in Scotland to be purpose built with electric light, central heating, a telephone system and a Victorian passenger lift all still being in use today. This impressive and majestic home is an architectural delight with many wonderful features. It has a sumptuous, lavish and ornate decor with real attention to detail and is decorated with intricate wood carvings, antique furniture, fine paintings and woven carpets. Areas of interest in the house include the Marble Hall, Dining Room, Marble Staircase, Gallery, Lady Bute Room, Family Bedroom, Horoscope Room, Drawing Room, Purple Library and Marble Chapel. The gardens are equally intriguing and are divided into various sections including the Rock garden, Wee Garden, Kitchen Garden, Calvary Walk and Pinetums. The gardens are home to an array of native and exotic plants, flowers and trees and are beautifully planted. The woodlands and colourful landscapes compliment each other and it is a real sensual delight full of colour and fragrant aromas when in bloom. The house and gardens are open to visitors from the end of March through to early October daily, however guided tours are only available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday . You can choose to visit just the house or gardens or buy a combination ticket or even a season ticket, full details are on the website. The guides are excellenct, friendly and jovial and really knowledgeable, the tours are interesting and informative and given at just he right level to entertain everyone and interspersed with lots of stories too. Mount Stuart is one of the most extravagant, spectacular and historic houses around and has so much to see during a visit, a must when visiting the Isle of Bute or Glasgow.
Puck's Glen is an extremely popular walk here in Dunoon and it is not surprising, it is a truly beautiful and enchanting place. The walk covers about 2 miles and takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete the loop. There are a number of routes and they are all well marked so you won't go astray. Your walk will incorporate many features including, rocky steps, some unprotected drops, rocky crops, bridges, woodland, mosses and ferns, lush and vibrant plants as well as babbling brooks. The gorge walk or meditation walk is lovely, it is like walking through an enchanted forest, with the light filtering through trees, you will also find little sayings/quotes as you go along as well as little things to do, a nice addition to his wonderful walk. The views are fantastic and the cascading waterfalls are simply stunning. It is best to wear suitable footwear and take along some refreshments as there is nowhere along the route to get any. It is well worth getting up early to catch the sunrise here in Puck's Glen it is magnificent. If you are in the region then you must talk the time to walk this route you will be entranced by the sheer beauty and tranquillity of Puck's Glen.
Arran Adventure Company are located on the beautiful Isle of Arran in Brodick, amongst some of the most spectacular countryside and scenery. They offer a range of fun and exciting outdoor pursuits aimed at all ages and abilities. You can choose from abseiling, archery, mountain biking, climbing, gorge walking, sea kayaking and segway. There is an activity to suit everyone. They are open throughout the year for mountain bike hire but, all other activities are only available during the period from Easter to October. Arran Adventure Company are professional and all activities are well organised with safety paramount, all equipment is provided, it is well maintained and all top quality. The instructors are excellent, friendly, helpful and encouraging, they provide clear instructions on what to do and are always on hand if needed. If hiring bikes there are maps available and they will advise on the best route to suit your group. The scenery around is beautiful with lots of places to stop and enjoy, so take along a camera. If you are looking for something fun and exciting to do on the island look no further than Arran Adventure Company, they are fantastic, provide a great range of activities that are perfectly balanced with the right measure of safety and fun and the instructors are just brilliant, and is excellent value for money too, highly recommended.
Auchrannie Leisure Centre offers a great choice of leisure facilities within its comfortable and modern complex, it has a lovely welcoming reception area. The Spa Resort is modern and stylish and is open to both residents and non residents of the Auchrannie Resort. Full details of opening times and prices are available on their website. Within the resort there are many amenities including two indoor swimming pool, as well as steam rooms, a sanarium and saunas where you can unwind and relax as the heat works its magic. In addition there is a fully equipped fitness suite with state of the art equipment. Also available here in the sports hall are the options for tennis, badminton, table tennis, football, basketball and volley ball. If you are interested in fitness classes there is a large choice to choose from that cater to all ages and fitness levels. The staff throughout are brilliant really friendly and accommodating. Auchrannie Leisure Centre never feels too busy and is an excellent facility, full of modern amenities and with a good choice of restaurants to choose from.
Flying Fever Paragliding School are located on the Isle of Arran and have been in business here for more than twenty years. They offer courses in training for a solo paragliding flight or a tandem flight with an instructor. The island has more than thirty flying sites that incorporate all wind directions making it ideal for this activity. Paragliding is exhilarating with a large injection of adrenalin and gives the ultimate buzz. They are open daily depending on the weather March through to September. Instructors are all highly trained and qualified. Safety is paramount and all equipment is regularly tested and is well maintained. You commence training on a gentle slope and you gradually progress to higher ground as you gain confidence and competence. The instructors are lovely you will find them to be very friendly, through and really patient as well as encouraging and they will put you at ease if at all nervous. The feeling when you leave the ground and have the wind in your face as you glide over the glens and countryside is priceless, a truly exhilarating and memorable experience. Flying Fever Paragliding School are professional and well organised, they can arrange to pick you up and drop you off from where you are staying, you will feel very safe and comfortable in their capable hands, highly recommended.
Kathleen Cameron is a Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide, who is a native of Scotland, and has a true comprehension and ardour for her homeland. A fully qualified licenced driver-guide, she is willing to share this passion and expertise with you to ensure that you get the most from your time in Scotland. Kathleen is happy to organise your travel plans and take you on tours of the region. Kathleen will accommodate people on an individual basis for a personalised tour in one of a number of modern vehicles, to bigger coach parties. In addition to tours in English she can also offer tours in Spanish. During your time here you can partake in Island hopping, boat trips and train excursions, walking tours of the many cities and towns or the stunning Scottish countryside, these can all be organised to suit your requirements. You might consider do I need a guide and the answer is most definitely, Kathleen can enhance your experience of Scotland immensely, you will get a true insight into the culture, history and geography of this magnificent land. In addition you will be shown the best places to see not necessarily the most popular and the best way to travel between places, a true insight into Scotland. Kathleen is fun, amiable and a bundle of energy and above all a true professional. If you want to see the real Scotland whilst here then don't hesitate to get in contact with Kathleen.
Loch Fyne Whiskies is located in the West Highlands of Scotland and specialises in selling only whisky and whisky associated items, it is probably the finest whisky shop around. This unusual and interesting shop is a treasure trove for those who appreciate the finesse of whisky, it is like walking into a wonderland, the shelves are laden with hundreds of bottles of all types of whisky from single malts to blended malts, whisky liqueurs and grain whiskies. The selection is outstanding and sourced locally. Also stocked here are miniatures, books, hip flasks, glassware, whisky confectionery, whisky preserves, jugs, quaiches and measures. They are happy to let customers sample a range of whisky's until you find one that suits you. The staff are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable and will chat away about whisky's or guide you in making a choice if you are unsure of what to buy. The prices are reasonable and the quality is first class. If you are in the area call in and see for yourself what a great shop it is.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located along the banks of the loch within the Loch Lomond Shores complex. The location is the perfect setting for the centre as it provides a natural environment for the majestic birds who are homed here. The centre is home to thirty six birds of prey and owls and encompasses birds of all sizes, you will encounter a little owl, kestrels, buzzards, hawks, falcons, eagles and a golden eagle. All those working with the birds are committed and passionate and have a real respect for these magnificent birds. The birds are well cared for and appear very contented, their enclosures are very clean and there is lots of information pertaining to the different birds. During a visit you will be able to get close to the birds and will learn so much about them. They offer a number of activities where you can personally spend time with some of the birds or even become a keeper for a day, full details are on the website. They are open seven days a week throughout the year. The owner Stewart is really friendly and passionate and will happily chat away about the birds and the work he does here, a real pleasure to meet. Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is a real experience and one not to be missed, the birds are so impressive and you learn so much during a visit. Highly recommend one of the experiences if you have an interest in birds of prey, you won't be disappointed.
Ben Lomond is a popular munro that rewards climbers with the most astounding views from its summit, on a clear day you can see the length of Loch Lomond and for miles around. It is a relatively difficult climb with several steep sections, mainly at the beginning and the end of the climb. The climbing distance is about 12 kilometres and will take about five hours. There are flat areas where you can catch your breath. The final ascent again becomes steeper and involves zigzag walking, although the views from the top are worthwhile. Ensure you have the correct gear and check the weather before your assent and you will be rewarded with a great climb and hopefully some wonderful views and photo opportunities.
Argyll Adventure offers fun and excitement to all with lots of activities available, in a stunning location in the Argyll countryside and near Loch Fyne. Activities on offer here include horse riding, children's pony rides, horse riding instruction and lessons, paintballing, paintball range, laser storm, crossbow range, climbing walls and bungee trampolines. The facilities here are excellent and clean and well maintained, as is the equipment and horses. They provide all the safety equipment and gear needed for whatever activity you are taking part in. There is a real emphasis on safety here and before every activity the staff give a full safety briefing. The staff are professional, friendly and helpful and will ensure that your day is fun and safe. Pony treks take in the stunning surrounding countryside and the guides give lots of information on the region. There is a cafe that serves a nice selection of hot and cold dishes and snacks, or there are picnic areas if you want to take along your own food. You can mix and match the activities you want to do, it is entirely your choice how few or many you do. There are activities to suit all ages and abilities here so suitable for everyone. Argyll Adventure ensures a fun and exciting day for all, if in the area you must come along to experience the hospitality and fun for yourself, you are assured no one will leave with a sad face!
Laser Station is the latest and best laser quest adventure, that can be enjoyed by all the family. It is innovative and exciting and places you right in the game. This enormous arena is staged over several levels and allows up to 36 people to play at a time. You are given a brief and informative talk before the game to explain everything and how the lasers function etc. Using skill, planning and some good luck the aim is to protect your space base and defeat your opponents. The staff are friendly and helpful, the arena is great with lots of lighting and dark places to hide, you really get immersed in the game. Overall Laser Station is a great family day out, fun, exciting and great value for money.
St Blane's Chapel dates back to the 12th century although the first Christian settlement is thought to date back to the 6th century. The chapel can be found around two miles from Kingarth and was constructed in a beautiful sheltered rocky dell close to the tip of a south facing slope and its elevated position affords lovely views out over the surrounding countryside, the Isle of Arran and the Holy Isle. The church was abandoned after the Reformation and feel into a state of disrepair and today it is just ruins that remain, although it is still pretty intact and you can see a number of the original architectural features. The romanesque arch between the nave and chancel is still intact. An enclosure wall encircles the monastic site of St. Blane's. Within the grounds of the churchyard are a number of weathered grave slabs one of which is a unique hogsback gravestone dating back to the time when Bute was a member of the Norse Empire. You will also see the remnants of a well and the foundations of a manse which was used up until 1587. Access is via a sign posted grassy track that leads from the car park to the site, there is a slight incline but the climb is relatively easy and not too far, it takes about ten minutes to get there. There is access to the site all year round and there are lots of information boards and plaques with the history of the chapel on them. St Blane's Chapel has a peaceful and serene ambience, take time to sit on one of the benches and enjoy the tranquillity and gorgeous views, well worth a visit.
Rothesay Victorian Toilets are located close to the gangway on Rothesay Pier on the Isle of Bute. They are probably the most splendid and fabulous example of late Victorian gents public convenience in Scotland and Britain. They are still open today to the public and cost 30p to visit or use. The facilities are spotless and excellently maintained and date back to 1899 when they were commissioned, at this time Rothesay was a bustling holiday resort. These unique conveniences are a testament to Victorian extravagance and were certainly built to impress. The interior is stunning, the walls are covered with decorative ceramic tiles, ornately patterned in rows. The floors are covered with ceramic mosaic and at the doorway have the crest of the Royal Borough of Rothesay. Three glass sided cisterns feed water to the urinals that passes through shining copper pipes. Most of the original fitments are still used and were supplied by Twyfords back in 1899 for the grand sum of £530. The toilets are run by volunteers who will gladly show any women around if they are empty and tell you the history of them. Rothesay Toilets are probably the most ornate and lavish public toilets you will ever see, a unique insight into a bygone era.
A favourite residence of the Stuart Kings, this is a wonderful example of a 13th century circular castle — its curtain wall is unique in Scotland. In the 16th century forework containing the great hall was added. (Some wheelchair access)
Historic building set in the gardens opposite the Pier, now a museum of local history. Exhibits, models and photographs tell the story from the Neolithic to the present day. There's a fine display of Clyde steamer models, and fully furnished Victorian parlour, kitchen, nursery and study.
Visit an ancient fort which signifies a clear example of Iron Age inhabitation. It has a dominant site on the island of Bute that is well worth a look.
Relive the Viking experience in the stories told by the enthralling actors at Vikingar. Let them take you through over 500 years of turbulent history and piece together the culture, traditions and lives of this extraordinary group of settlers who changed the course of British history for ever.
The Cathedral of the Isles is recognised as Britains smallest Cathedral and dates back to 1851. It was constructed by George Frederick Boyle who subsequently became the 6th Earl of Glasgow, and represents Gothic Victorian architecture. It is part of a cluster of buildings that make up two residential buildings and a collegiate church that was designed by the renowned architect William Butterfield. Music has always played an integral part in the buildings history and today it is proud to be the home to a 1867 tracker action organ as well as Erard and Lipp pianos, the 1976 "Cumbrae" harpsichord in addition to its newest addition a Bösendorfer concert grand piano. The interior is charming with a number of features including some beautiful stained glass windows, wall tiles and paintings. There are some laminated sheets that provide a brief history and information on the instruments. This delightful Cathedral is not immediately obvious but is worth the effort to find it, it is located behind the town, in a lovely woodland setting, very pretty and tranquil making for an ideal place to take a nice walk. There are some steep steps to navigate to get into the church so might not be suitable for everyone. A number of concerts and music recitals are operated throughout the year and if you get the opportunity to go along to one of these don't miss it, you will not be disappointed, the Cathedral has the most amazing resonating acoustics. They rely on the generosity of visitors to keep this wonderful building going. The Cathedral of the Isles is a gem of a building, beautiful, serene and a place of reflection and well worth a visit if you are in the region.
Auchindrain is an original township of great antiquity typical of the many which once existed throughout the Scottish Highlands. The conserved buildings have been furnished and equipped to present a fascinating glimpse of the true lives of the Highlanders.
Auchindrain Highland Farm Township is a prime example of how a Highland farm township or small farming community operated more than two hundred and fifty years ago, it is the last remaining township surviving until 1963. These townships were of major importance in the running of the rural countryside and in Scotland's history. This 21 acre site is Category A listed and is identified as being of national importance, and is certainly one of a kind. Situated in the breathtaking Argyll landscape, visitors get a captivating insight into the harsh life and work conditions they had in the old Highlands. As you stroll through the township, you will discover how the people lived, get to see the longhouses, complete with furniture, that they lived in together with their cattle and horses, all cosy under the one roof. There is even livestock running about the place. Your guide book will give all the information you need as you walk around. This unusual museum is open April through to October and there is a small entrance charge. The staff are so friendly and chatty and have lots of information available on the area. The cafe is warm and welcoming and a nice return to modern day civilisation, they serve a delicious array of home cooked food and specials, some days there are heritage dishes, they are reflective of what the locals would have eaten. The Visitor Centre has a shop with a large choice of books, local crafts and souvenirs. If in the area a visit to The Auchindrain Highland Farm Townshipis highly recommended, it is an interesting and unique museum that tells history in an interactive and informative way.
The evocative ruins of a late 11th or 12th century castle with later additions, it is probably the oldest stone castle on the Scottish mainland.
Kilmartin House is home to an internationally acclaimed archaeological museum, which uses artefacts from nearby sites, reconstructions and interactive displays to examine the intricate relationship between the ancient landscape and its people over 5,000 years.
Inveraray Jail offers a interactive museum experience, it is a living museum where actual people imitate what prison life was like in a 19th century prison, a real eye opener. During your time at this finely preserved jail, you will, see courtroom trials, chat to prisoners, meet the warder, spend some time in a cell and get a true feel, experience the punishments, and make your escape, you will be glad you did not have to undergo these extreme harsh conditions. There is an exhibition of prison artefacts and if ghost hunting is your thing, they operate special ghost hunting nights and paranormal investigations. It is a fascinating and intriguing attraction, that will appeal to all the family, offering fun and excitement. You can tour Inveraray Jail at your own pace and you will be impressed by the amount of information that you are told from interesting jail stories to lots of history, and what you will take away with you. There are a lot of stairs to climb so do bear this in mind before visiting. There is a gift shop that has some nice souvenirs. The entrance fee is very reasonable for what you are getting and everyone will enjoy their time here. Inveraray Jail is a delightful mix of education, information and atmospheric entertainment in genuine surroundings. Definitely worth the drive, if you are not in the immediate area or nearby.
Discover some wonderful artwork in this magnificent 18th century castle. Its grand appearance gives way to an even more delightful interior with collectible muskets, axes and swords on display. Composed of Palladian, Gothic and Baroque architecture it has an impressive finish and is unmistakably Scottish.
Irvine Burns Club was founded back in 1826 by two friends of Robert Burns and a number of others, to commemorate and preserve his fine work. It was in 1962 that the Irvine Burns and Burgh Museum was opened in his former home and remains today, open four times a week from April to September and each Saturday in the winter. The club is spread over two floors, the upper floor having been adapted into a concert room and the lower level, including the library and Burns Room. Here you are able to get close to original handwritten poems and see the first edition print, original manuscripts and a Kilmarnock edition. There are lots of artefacts, paintings as well as those relating to the Royal Burgh of Irvine, including the Burgh Weights and Measures and one of the Burgh Drums. The club members are the perfect guides they are passionate, friendly and so knowledgeable, and give a fantastic tour and show on the life of Burns. It doesn't matter how little or much you know about Burns you will be surprised by what you learn and in such an interesting way. Irvine Burns Club is a great experience and should not be overlooked, call to make your appointment to see this little known gem of a museum
Clydebank Titan is a familiar and easily recognisable landmark of the Clydebank horizon, located in John Brown's Shipyard, it is a majestic piece of engineering history. It had an integral role in the major ship building industry of Scotland and was involved in building the famous Queen Mary, Royal Yacht Britannia and QE2. Today it is an unusual and individual visitor attraction. It also serves as a one off and unique learning centre, offering workshops, walking tours, models and memorabilia and the opportunity to dress up. The views from 150 feet up are amazing and on a clear day you can see for miles. There is a Visitor Centre where you can watch a short video, see plans, photos and models, there is no charge to visit here. However if you wish to ascend the crane there is a £5 charge that is great value. You are taken by minibus where you hear a pre-recorded commentary, the driver was most helpful in pointing out the things being described, a guide then meets you and gives you a history of the Titan, as you travel by lift to the top you are given more information, not just on the crane but, on the local area and history and the guide will also answer any questions you may have. The guides are very convivial, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Once at the top you can walk part of the jib, the upper platform is covered in steel mesh barriers, as is the floor so you can see right down to the ground. Only those who are doing bungee jumps can walk the full length! Clydebank Titan is only open at weekends from May up until the end of September, from 10.00am to 4.00pm don't miss this fabulous attraction, a great experience, interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages and abilities.
Glasgow Museums Resource Centre is a bit of a hidden gem, it is here that they store everything that cannot be accommodated in the city museums. It holds an astounding 1.4 million artefacts that are stored in 17 purpose-built pods that are all climate controlled to protect the contents. Within the museum you will find areas dedicated to taxidermy, weapons, transport and technology, thousands of pieces of artworks, natural history and entomology, fossils, world cultures and much more. There are a selection of daily guided tours in addition to themed lectures, that are informative and both are run by friendly and knowledgeable staff. This vast building is an amazing place with some wonderful things to see it is like walking into a curiosity shop and discovering a secret. It is free to visit Glasgow Museums Resource Centre but you must book in advance. One visit will not be enough to see this amazing and intriguing place you will find yourself wanting to return. Also look out for the special events they run throughout the year these are great for all ages.
See some of the best views in Ayrshire from this magnificent castle. After a ten year restoration project it has to be one of the best attractions in the area.
