One Marine Place

Today’s Big Deal would make an absolute Bute of a gift (sorry, we had to).

As you might have guessed, it offers an escape to the Isle of Bute for a bayside holiday at One Marine Place. Potentially, up to six people can stay, so it would be a perfect present for a couple or a family.

There is plenty to see and do on Bute, including beaches, golf courses, castles, a marina, a jaw-dropping stately home and even a swish Art Deco pavilion. You are spoiled for choice.

Isle away the days


Bute is in the Cowal Peninsula which flows into the Firth of Clyde. You’ll be staying at One Marine Place, one of the island’s most popular beach areas.

You can choose between a spacious holiday apartment in the newly refurbished Georgian residence, Prospect House, or your own cottage with private gardens.

Prospect House is surrounded by palm trees, mature shrubs and a heart-shaped lawn. You’ll be a five-minute walk from Port Bannatyne village, which includes an 18-hole golf course. The town of Rothesay is just over a mile away.

You can get to Bute from Glasgow via Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal, around an hour’s journey by car. From Edinburgh it’s two and a half hours to the Terminal. There’s also the option of the ferry from Colintraive to Rhubodach.

Bayside hideaway

This Big Deal has two options over 6 properties. There is the option of a Friday to Sunday three night stay, or a Monday to Thursday four night stay.

You can choose between five seaview holiday apartments within Prospect House itself or Beach Cottage, a private hideaway in the grounds.

The five self-catering apartments all have sea views and accommodate four to six guests. Each apartment has an oven hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, TV, DVD player, hairdryer and laundry facilities. Complimentary tea, coffee and toiletries are also included.

The pretty one-bedroom Beach Cottage offers the same facilities and accommodates two people. You’ll have your own private gardens plus access to the main house grounds. The cottage includes a conservatory with a dining room.

You are welcome to bring one or two well behaved dogs to Beach Cottage or Kerrycroy apartment for a £15 supplement.

Pretty Port Bannatyne

One Marine Place is only a five-minute walk from the village of Port Bannatyne, also on Ettrick Bay. There you will find a popular harbour, pier, marina, 18-hole golf course and the 14th century Kames Castle.

The Ettrick Bay tearoom is a great spot for a traditional Scottish afternoon treat. Known for its impressive bay views, the tearoom serves a range of hearty mains, sandwiches cakes and freshly made ice cream.

There is also an atmospheric old shipwreck that’s so photogenic it has been nicknamed “Bute’s Eiffel Tower” (camera at the ready).

Beguiling Bute

For an island that’s just fifteen miles by four miles, Bute has its fair share of things to see and do.

Rothesay is Bute’s only town and is steeped in vintage charm. This includes a Victorian esplanade, and 1920s Winter Gardens. Stroll around to soak in the history and stop off at a traditional ice cream shop for a pokey hat (cone).

Mount Stuart House is a spectacular Victorian stately home that’s brimming with gothic glamour. Going even further back in time, the Kingarth Standing Stones are the remains of a prehistoric stone circle.

Other attractions include the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, Ardencraig Gardens, Bute Museum and the ruins of both Bute Castle and St. Blane’s Chapel. Bute Brew Co. is an artisan brewery that sometimes does tours.

The island also has three golf courses, each with views across the Firth of Clyde. Other activities include cycling, horse riding, angling, sailing and kayaking.

Happy guests

One Marine place has enjoyed enthusiastic reviews on its Facebook page, including the following:

‘Great location, great people! Can’t wait to get back to this part of the world.’

‘Lovely accommodation, great hosts that are welcoming and friendly. Perfect location.’

‘Beautiful apartments in a beautiful location, pure tranquility.’


Give the gift of an island escape

Today’s Big Deal from One Marine Place on Bute is your chance to stick a shiny bow on a pretty Scottish island and give it to someone special.

With stays for up to six people (depending on the accommodation), this would be a wonderful gift for a couple or family. Or if you fancy a winter getaway with your friends, you’ve found one.