The Festival of Cycling or `Rothesay Weekend’ is 4 road-bike races over two days, including the infamous Serpentine hill-climb, a 2-up time trial event around the island, a 10 mile time trial, and a road race; with some good old-fashioned socialising in between. It’s a laid-back event, which has been in place at least as far back as the 1950s. Originally organised under parameters of SCU, these days its in cahoots with the TLI There's more info on the Bute Wheelers Website … [Read more...]
Bute Line Dance Festival
Come along to the 21st Isle of Bute Line Dance Festival. 21st-23rd September 2012. A weekend of non-stop dancing. Music to suit all styles including Country, New Country, Pop, Irish, Latin & Blues. The weekend caters for all levels of dancers from beginners to expert. Sat 24th is a themed night with the THE OSCARS as this years theme. Look out a costume and come and join the fun. … [Read more...]
Baird of Bute Celebration
September 24, 2010 marked 100 years since Andrew Baird flew into Scottish aviation history as he flew his own designed and built monoplane into the blue skies above the sands of Ettrick Bay. Andrew Blain Baird was a Rothesay Blacksmith with a keen interest in aviation. This first heavier than air craft was wholly constructed in Scotland, designed and built by Andrew Blain Baird but using a 4 cylinder air cooled engine with water cooled valves built by Alexander Brothers of Edinburgh. The … [Read more...]
Bute Agricultural Show
Held annually in August (2012 TBC) and known locally as "The Cattle show", the annual agricultural show in Rothesay is like a mini Royal Highland Show. In 2006 the Prince of Wales (the Duke of Rothesay) attended Bute Agricultural Society's 200th anniversary show. Held at the showground and within walking distance of Rothesay town centre, the show features livestock from the many farms on the island as well as horses, chickens and dogs. Visit the Bute Agricultural Show website … [Read more...]
The Big F – Bute International Guitar Festival
A Celebration of the world’s most popular musical instrument in September (2012 dates TBC) With active players conservatively estimated at 50 million, the guitar is without doubt the world’s most popular musical instrument. The guitar’s extraordinary success is in no small part a result of its unique ability to cross the boundaries of genre, class and culture. From the sophistication and elegance of Andres Segovia to the primal racket of Seasick Steve, from the downhome simplicity of … [Read more...]
eatBute12
Now in its 5th year the eatBute festival is a celebration of the best produce that Scotland’s food & craft artisans have to offer, with a special emphasis on the products of Bute, Argyll and the surrounding region. Organised and promoted by Mount Stuart Trust eatBute is a key event in both the Isle of Bute and the Scottish Festival Calendar. This year is set to be our best event yet. Learn some tricks of the trade at our cookery demonstrations from some of the best chefs in the UK. ITV1's … [Read more...]
Bute Highland Games 2012
The annual gathering at the Bute Highland Games is a spectacle that shouldn't be missed. The event will take place in August at the Bute Showground. (date TBC) The origins of Highland Games in Scotland can be traced back many hundreds of years. Clan chiefs used the games to recruit staff-Winners of races made excellent couriers, while winners of strength events made fine bodyguards and soldiers. Rival Clan Chiefs often used to match their champions against each other at important Highland … [Read more...]
Isle of Bute Jazz Festival
The 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Event 4th - 6th May 2012 - The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival began in 1988 and has been staged annually on the first weekend of May ever since - thisyear’s event will be the 25th. The first Festival was a small affair with only six bands, and the organisers held their breath to see if anyone would come to a small Scottish island with little tradition of jazz (although big dance bands certainly played regularly at Rothesay Pavilion in the 1950’s and 60’s). … [Read more...]
