Many years ago, prior to 1975 at least, there was a county known as Buteshire , this included the Isles of Arran and Bute located in the upper Firth of Clyde just to the south of the Cowal Peninsula. Its 'county town' was Rothesay, a highly important holiday destination in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s for the working people's of Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Over the last 40 years, Rothesay has suffered from the increase in cheap overseas holidays but is now re-inventing itself as a peaceful and picturesque short break destination. The Island, however, has not changed a great deal, as it is still as beautiful as ever. It has, however, suffered from the perceptions of the Rothesay image as a holiday resort of bygone days and that is a shame as it has always been an enjoyable destination for a break away from work. The Isle is about 15 miles long and between 3 and 5 miles wide with the only hills at the northern end. Like its neighbours Arran and Cumbrae, Bute is an ... < more >