Clyde
Isle of Arran
Arran, Scotland in miniature, provides the visitor with the best of what the rest of Scotland has to offer. The island has it's own unique identity and culture and is as far removed from the rat race as it's possible to be. Rising dramatically from the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, Arran's profile, dominated by the sweeping slopes of Goatfell, gives you a foretaste of your destination...a fascinating and often surprising island that never ceases to exert it's unique magic on visitors of all generations.
Our destination is Lochranza, which is home to Scotland's newest and award winning Malt Whisky Distillery. Begin your tour with an introduction to the history and lore of whisky making. Stick your nose into a barrel and smell the peat, taste the wort and watch yeast at work through a microscope. Then it's through to a reconstructed 18th Century croft for an information video show before you are led through a smugglers tunnel for a guided tour of the Distillery and complimentary dram.
Isle of Bute
The delightful island of Bute is a memorable place of stunning contrasts and has many attractions made by both man and nature. Take a stroll along the colourful Esplanade gardens of Rothesay, the island capital, where you can't fail to notice the unusual circular glass structure of the 1920's Winter Garden, which houses the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, and contrasts with the grand Victorian architecture of the seafront. Much older is the 13th Century Rothesay Castle, a Royal fortress whose rounded battlements have stood the test of time and conflict. Visit Bute Museum to learn about the fascinating history and geology of the island. Follow the coast beyond delightful Ascog Bay where you will discover the Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden. This sunken Victorian fern house, built around 1870, has now been fully restored and houses a spectacular collection of feather leafed greenery. Catch the bus to Mount Stuart House, the magnificent ancestral home of the Marquis of Bute, surrounded by 300 acres of woodland and gardens. Visit the spectacular Ardencraig Gardens, famous for fuschias, pot plants, it's water garden and tearoom. For the more energetic, there is the 29 mile West Island Way, a waymarked trail where walkers can choose a variety of routes around the island to explore some of the more remote parts of the countryside.
Isle of Cumbrae
Millport is built around the harbour and has a pleasant walk along the front. Early Victorian villas overlook the horseshoe bay of safe, sandy beaches. Visit the Cathedral of the Isles, which claims to be the smallest Cathedral in Europe. Bikes can be hired for the easy 11 mile island circuit, stopping off at the Marine Biological Station which houses a small museum and aquarium. The museum exhibits illustrate the history of marine science, features of the marine environment and local marine habitats. The aquarium displays the beauty and diversity of living marine creatures from the Clyde area.
Tighnabruaich
Gaelic for 'the house on the brae', so called from the inn which once stood on the hillside. Before arriving you will see the Maids of Bute. With excellent distant views of Arran, passengers going ashore are rewarded by the many attractive 19th Century Glasgow Merchant villas, hotels, Bistro and tearoom which comprise this charming resort. Visit the Tighnabruaich Gallery and view it's display of original paintings and Scottish made crafts. The gallery specialises in paintings of the West Coast of Scotland, and houses a coffee shop which serves snacks and meals.
Clyde Marine Services Ltd Victoria Harbour Greenock PA15 1HW
Tel: 01475 721281 Fax: 01475 888023
Some images are supplied by: J. Crae & D. S. Coull