One Marine Place

Today’s Big Deal is an absolute Bute (sorry, but we just had to).

As you might have guessed, it involves an escape to the lovely Isle of Bute for three or four nights in One Marine Place.

You’ll be kept busy, because Bute has beaches, castles and three golf courses and a stately home.

So click your heels together and say it: ‘There’s no place like Bute, there’s no place like Bute…’

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. There you’ll find a popular harbour, pier, marina, 18-hole golf course and the 14th century Kames Castle.

There’s also an atmospheric old shipwreck that’s so photogenic it is nicknamed Bute’s Eiffel Tower (Instagram at the ready).

Plus you’ll want to try out the tearoom for a traditional Scottish afternoon treat.

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.

Trip to the Firth

Bute is a scenic and fascinating island at the Gateway to the Highlands. It’s not too far from Glasgow and Edinburgh, so would make for a great autumn or winter getaway.

This is a great chance to explore Bute’s beaches and sights with a special someone, maybe to mark a birthday or anniversary.