Firth Of Clyde
"My experience goes back to when I was a youngster and I travelled to the Isle of Bute with my family to visit my Gran who lived in Rothesay. I remember my excitement on arriving at Wemyss Bay and going on the ferry, coming into Rothesay and seeing the beautiful promenade. Watching the pipe bands in all their refinery. Glorious sunny days and spending time at Etterick Bay. Now, some thirty years later, I live on the Moray Coast and my husband and I are going back there this year. We love exploring and plan to visit many more islands over the coming years."
Mrs J Denley, Moray
"Taking my two year old grandson to Arran on the back of a bike six years ago. We had an enjoyable meal on the ferry journey over to Brodick. The climb out of Brodick towards Whiting Bay was exhausting. It did produce his first two words however when I asked him if he would like to walk. "No. Seat" was his response. We spent two days at Whiting Bay Youth hostel, now sadly closed, and just spent our time bonding together. A memorable three days that will stay with me for ever."
Mr W Munro, Midlothian
"What a name for a lovely island "Bute" as the word says it’s Beautiful. Lovely beaches at Etterick bay and it has a tearoom to die for with views out into the open water of the bay. Or if that’s not what you want, take a trip to Scalpsie bay and see the seal colony. I counted 45 seals glistening on the rocks as the they bathed in the sun. I then headed to the discovery centre and found it very interesting, We then had a trip around Rothesay golf course and the views of the River Clyde and into the valley looking up towards Glasgow was stunning. You’re so lucky to have such a wonderful place on your door step. I will be back to discover more about this lovely and quaint little island."
Mr J Johnstone, Nottingham
"I had a great day on Bute 2 years ago on a motorbike tour with my Dad, it was a lovely sunny day. We had delicious ice cream in town and then drove up the island and waited for the ferry with our feet in the water, watching the steamer passing by. Wouldn't have wanted to be any where else!"
Miss S Wilson, Birmingham
"It's late September, a Saturday morning, and we decide on the spur of the moment to take a day trip to Arran. The day is calm and clear - the views are stunning as we approach Brodick. We shun the bus and set off to walk to Brodick castle, when a tandem for hire outside the bike shop catches our eye. We've never ridden a tandem before but after a shaky trial run we are off - out on the road towards Lochranza. The road is quiet, the scenery is lovely - and we see seals, birds and even a red squirrel as we sail along. We stop at deserted beaches to drink in the fresh air and lunch is an impromptu picnic bought from the village shop at Corrie, eaten on the beach. We ride as far as Sannox before turning and heading back. We walk round the gardens and enjoy a cuppa at Brodick Castle before a high speed spin down the hill and back into Brodick for the ferry home. We relax on the MV Caledonian Isles with a very hard earned bacon roll. All in all it's been a very good day."
Mrs S Montgomery, East Lothian
"In May 2007 we spent an amazing week on Arran. The weather was beautiful and showed the scenery at its best. Lovely villages nestling by the sea and a profusion of wildlife on the coast and in the hills. Seals basking on the rocks at Corrie. Black guillemots at Sannox, red-breasted mergansers at Catacol and eider at Kildonan. Red deer on the hills and short eared owls scouring the fields during the day. Great hospitality in the evenings. What more could you ask for!"
Mr D Joannides, Poole
"One of my favourite experiences has to be driving up North Glen Sannox on the Isle of Arran at sunset and then sitting very quietly watching the Red Deer as they came down from the hills to drink, magical."
Mr M Henman, Northampton
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