We are here in Rothesay!

As you can imagine, there’s not much printmaking going on … yet! There’s been a lot to do. Just the task of unpacking alone has been massive! That’s without even considering finding space for everything when combining house and studio before the actual studio is even a thing!

One thing is for certain though. There is a very different vibe here on the island of Bute. Everyone we’ve met to date are so friendly. They are open, direct and they go out of their way to be helpful. On the day we arrived, the neighbours in the street stopped on their way past to welcome us. Our next door neighbour dropped in a bottle of wine. Another one dropped in a welcome card. The ‘One and Only Isle of Bute’ Facebook group is a font of knowledge for everything, almost!

There is no question in our minds we made the right choice. Best decision we ever made. It’s given us both a whole new lease of life.

Best Decision We Ever Made

I’ve now set up a temporary studio in our front room but I’m not rushing yet to begin printing again. I feel I need some time to adjust and get familiar with my surroundings. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know I’ve had several early morning starts. I’ve been up before dawn to get out and explore the island as the sun breaks over the horizon. I’ve even started keeping a sketchbook!

It’s been such a pleasure, even on the really wet days. That said the view from our kitchen/dining room looks out over Rothesay Bay. On the wettest days there is always something to look at/watch as the light changes and the rain rolls in.

There is no question that Chris and I feel we made the right decision to move here and we did it at the right time. It’s the best decision we ever made.

Rock art and standing stones on the island.

You will know my work often features a nod to pre-history rock art and standing stones from the neolithic and Bronze age. Last week, Chris and I went to a fascinating evening talk at the local natural history museum on Scotland’s rock art. We discovered there is an abundance of it right here on the island. Just before and during Covid, there was a group of volunteers working with Scotland Rock Art to map and investigate the places on the island where rock art has been found.

Planning a trip to Scotland in 2023?

If you’re thinking of a trip to Scotland next year, spend some time on The Isle of Bute. There are some lovely holiday cottages in gorgeous locations. There’s loads to do if you like the outdoors - paddle boarding, sea kayaking, sailing, wild water swimming, to mention just a few options. There’s also plenty of culture, Mount Stuart, for art and opera. The Isle of Bute Artists Collective (IBAC) host an open studio trail over a weekend every summer.

If you do spend some time here do say hello! And if you’re an islander new to my blog, the same applies to you. Say hello! I look forward to getting to know you.

In the meantime, I’m doing a shameless plug for my website shop which is back up and running. For those who sign up to my mailing list there are often exclusive subscriber discounts. In the run up to Christmas there is 10% off items from the gift shop. If you want things to arrive in time for Christmas please get your orders in sooner rather than later.

Final UK posting dates are at the top of the home page.
THE SHOP WILL CLOSE FOR ORDERS ON DECEMBER 16TH. We will open again on January 3rd 2023.