March 29th 2024

Artistic Inspiration on Bute Studio Trail Awaits!

The annual Bute Studio Trail (July 20/21) offers a unique opportunity to step into a working artist's studio, and mine is no exception! Come and join me in my garden studio. I am Venue 17 in the Bute Studio Trail brochure (page 35). My studio overlooks Rothesay Bay where the ferries cross the water several times a day to Wemyss Bay, alongside billionaire super yachts, majestic tall ships and the iconic Waverley paddle steamer. It's a scene that never fails to mesmerise both myself and my visitors.

Come and join me!

I'll be delighted to share my creative process and demonstrate my printmaking techniques. Whether you're curious about my inspiration or intrigued by the intricate details of my work, I welcome you into my world. My studio is a short walk from the ferry port and 22 other studios (34 other artists, makers and designers) are waiting to welcome you over the Bute Studio Trail weekend to show you what they do. Some will be sharing spaces around Rothesay because their homes cannot easily accommodate large numbers of visitors, while others will be welcoming you to their homes or garden studios all over the island.

Can I entice you to come to Bute for more than just the art?

Why not plan your holiday around a trip here? Imagine waking up to the sound of the sea, curlews calling on the shoreline, sunlight streaming through your window, magnificent views across to The Sleeping Warrior on the Isle of Arran greet you when you open the curtains. The sights and sounds of our lovely island are what make Bute the hidden gem it is nestled just off the west coast of Scotland.

Bute has so much more to offer in addition to visits to artist working studios.

1. For Outdoor enthusiasts: There is easy cycling as a way of exploring the island. E-bikes are available for rent. Hill walkers can explore the island coast or walk the West Island Way, wandering around historical sites like standing stones and ancient ruins.

2. Wildlife lovers: Roe deer are frequent visitors to Skeog Wood and the gardens close by. Otters are a regular sight, if you know where to look, and are very quiet. Osprey are often seen at Loch Fad and white-tailed eagles above the Kyles of Bute. There is an absolute plethora of diverse seabirds that scurry along the shoreline feeding at low tide at Kilchattan Bay, Scalpsie (where you’ll also see seals) and St. Ninian’s Bay.

3. Water Sports: Embrace the island's stunning beaches. Go for a refreshing wild swim (be mindful of jellyfish in warmer weather!), try your hand at sailing, paddle boarding, or sea kayaking.

4. History Buffs: Explore the history of Mount Stuart House and Gardens, Rothesay Castle, St. Blane's Church and Ardencraig Gardens.

5. Unique places to Stay: The Charcoal Huts nestle in Bute Forest’s temperate rainforest. These off-grid huts are a great place to bring the kids for a unique island getaway. Low-carbon and very eco-friendly, they were inspired by the early charcoal burner settlements that were historically found in the area of Moss Wood.

If you are planning a longer stay, the Isle of Bute itself offers a calendar of events throughout the summer season. From cultural gatherings to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy:

6. Bute Song and ButeFest for music lovers

7. Bute Noir Book Festival,

8. The Highland Games

9. The Bute Agricultural Society Show and The Trails of Bute in which shepherdess, Emma Gray (from BBC's "This Farming Life") is an active organiser and participant in the sheepdog trials.

10. My studio is always open not just on the Bute Studio Trail weekend. Come and see where and how I make my contemporary landscapes and seascape print over a chat and a cup of coffee.

If you wish to visit my studio please give me a call to arrange a time, just to make sure I’m around when you want to come. If you are visiting during the Bute Studio Trail which is on July 20th - 21st all studios are open between 10-5 pm.

For further information, hints and tips for travelling to Bute take a look at this previous blog post that I wrote last year. There is also another blog post which also has some additional tips though some of the specifics like the interactive map doesn’t apply to this year. There is however an updated interactive map in the Bute Studio Trail website.

In addition to the Interactive map on the Bute Studio Trail website, I have added a map of my own that concentrates on the artists’ studios in Rothesay with the focus on a walking tour that you can do if you arrive on foot from the ferry. You might struggle to see all of the studios if you are on foot so use it in conjunction with the brochure to pick the artists you want to see most.