Find The Creative Heart of Bute On The Bute Studio Trail 2025
12 April 2025
The Isle of Bute is once again preparing to showcase its vibrant artistic community with the 2025 Bute Studio Trail. This year's event marks the 12th year that the Isle of Bute Artists Collective (IBAC) brings together the island's creative talents to share their work with visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Fresh Energy, New Horizons
The new committee of the Bute Studio Trail is excited to bring fresh ideas to the Isle of Bute Artists Collective. They aim to expand opportunities for artists beyond the annual trail, with plans for more exhibitions throughout the year, artist talks at The Hub in Port Bannatyne, and creative outings to enhance the island's cultural scene. This year's trail features over 30 artists and makers, including newcomers and returning favourites, promising a vibrant mix of talent and fresh perspectives for 2025.
Join Our Creative Community
IBAC is looking for new members, especially those willing to share their skills and volunteer. This year's main event saw Paul Simpson, a professional photographer, contribute his talent for the brochure cover, while I utilised my graphic design background for all marketing materials. We're inviting those with skills in administration, event promotion, social media management, print production, or design to contribute and join our collaborative effort.
As we grow, it’s crucial to share responsibilities to prevent burnout among those who frequently volunteer. We understand everyone has different commitments, so we welcome members who can contribute as their schedules allow, stepping in as needed to help spread the workload.
Many hands, as they say, make light work. By distributing tasks across our membership, we can prevent volunteer burnout while continuing to grow the Studio Trail and develop new initiatives. Member contributions, however small, help keep the collective sustainable and enhance Bute's vibrant artistic community.
If you have skills to share or simply enthusiasm for supporting the arts on Bute, we'd love to hear from you. Being part of IBAC offers not only the opportunity to contribute to an island tradition but also to connect with fellow creatives, make new friends and get involved with the creative community.
A Peek Behind the Creative Curtain
The Bute Studio Trail offers a unique chance to visit artists' private studios across the island. Many artists invite you into the very spaces where their creativity unfolds—whether it’s a cosy home studio with sea views or a workshop filled with tools and ongoing projects.
This rare access to these intimate settings shed light on each artist's process and inspiration, where you might find their reference materials, experiments, and fascinating found objects. Chatting with artists in their creative environment can deepen your appreciation of their finished pieces.
Some artists have joined forces in shared spaces like Craigmore Bowling Club and Bute Museum, where access to their own private studios is limited. This setup allows you to explore multiple artists in one location, perfect for those looking to experience a variety of works over the weekend.
A Legacy of Creativity and Collaboration
What started as a grassroots initiative by local artists 12 years ago has grown into one of Bute's most anticipated annual events. The trail embodies the collaborative spirit of the island's artistic community, with artists supporting one another and creating shared exhibition spaces for those who need it. In 2025, IBAC members continue this tradition, organising the event to build on previous years success each year. Communal venues accommodate artists who lack suitable home spaces or face accessibility issues for the public.
Plan Your Visit
The Studio Trail offers the perfect excuse to escape to this beautiful Scottish island for a day trip or weekend getaway. As you travel between studios, you'll be treated to Bute's spectacular coastal views, rolling countryside, and charming towns.
When to Visit
The 2025 Bute Studio Trail runs from July 19th to the 20th. Studios are open from 10am to 5pm daily during the Trail, but it's always worth checking with individual artists as some may be willing to open their studios to you if you arrive outside of those dates or if you’re staying on hte island for a bit longer and haven’t managed to get to all the artists you wanted to see.
Getting Around
The island is wonderfully compact, making it easy to visit multiple studios in a day. While a car gives you the most flexibility, many studios are accessible by public transport or bicycle. This year's trail map (available at www.butestudiotrail.com includes details on accessibility and transport options.
Six Tips For Making the Most of Your Visit
Choose the artists you want to see: Pick up a copy of the brochure or visit the website to see the online brochure and pull together a plan.
Set off early: If you are planning a day trip from the mainland make an early start. In peak season the ferries can be very busy with holiday traffic. Ferries are turn up and ride, so you may not get on the ferry you set out to get. You can’t book for a specific time.
Take your time: Allow yourself plenty of time to chat with the artists about their work and processes.
Look out for artists offering demonstrations: Artists will post on social media to supplement their brochure entries so keep an eye out there.
Bring cash: While many artists accept card payments, some smaller studios prefer cash.
Combine with island exploration: Between studio visits, take time to enjoy Bute's beaches, historic sites, and excellent local cafés and restaurants.
Take a look at Bute Kitchen’s interactive map: You will find places to eat and drink close to the studios you will be visiting.
Places to eat - top left to bottom right:
Helmis Patisserie, The Gather Deli, The Indian Pavilion, Kingarth Hotel.
Practical information:
Trail dates: Saturday and Sunday July 19th and 20th between 10 AM and 5 PM
Bute Studio Trail information and online interactive map available from: www.butestudiotrail.com
Paper maps can be found in the Bute Studio Trail brochure that you can pick up from various places around the island such as Bute Museum, The Discovery Centre, cafes, Print Point, etc.
Ferry information: Ferry from Wemyss Bay, Ferry from Colintraive
Accommodation suggestions: Visit Bute
To inquire about IBAC membership: iofbac@gmail.com
Beyond the Art
A visit to the Bute Studio Trail is about more than just viewing art—it's an opportunity to experience the unique island culture that has inspired generations of creative people. The warm welcome from local artists, the stunning natural environment, and the island's rich heritage all combine to make this an unforgettable creative journey.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious day-tripper, or someone planning a longer Scottish island adventure, the Bute Studio Trail offers a wonderful window into the creative soul of this special place. Come and discover why Bute continues to attract and inspire artists, and perhaps take home a unique piece of island creativity as a lasting memory of your visit.