CULTURED EXPLORERS
Glasgow’s cultural scene is second to none, with theatres, museums and galleries aplenty, and Victorian architecture sitting side by side with outstanding contemporary structures. Just over an hour away there are equally fascinating cultural adventures to be had in Argyll and the Isles. Delve deeper and discover more by taking a day trip from Glasgow.
Isle of Bute
If you fancy an island experience without a car, then Bute is for you. The Scotrail train journey from Glasgow to Wemyss Bay takes around 50 minutes. From here, the Calmac ferry crossing to Rothesay on Bute takes a further 45 minutes. This island is packed with wonderful cultural experiences, from Rothesay Castle to the Winter Gardens Discovery Centre. Don’t miss the Victorian toilets, a masterpiece of marble, ceramics and brass, or the Art Deco Pavilion, which is currently being restored as an arts venue. Follow the coastal road south and you’ll find Mount Stuart, a spectacular neo-gothic mansion set amid acres of lush woodland and colourful gardens. The craftsmanship is astonishing. You can take an open top bus tour of Bute and there’s also a regular bus service to Mount Stuart and Ettrick Bay.
Inveraray and the Heart of Argyll
The handsome Georgian town of Inveraray is an ideal day trip from Glasgow for culture seekers. You can catch a bus from Glasgow and spend the day exploring the town’s shops, cafés and attractions, including Inveraray Castle, the seat of Clan Campbell, and Inveraray Jail. You would be stretched, however, to do justice to the Heart of Argyll in a day from the city. There’s just so much to see and you will need a car! This area, encompassing Kilmartin, Knapdale and Crinan, is brimming with natural and historic wonders. The Bronze Age and Neolithic remains in Kilmartin Glen are one of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland with over 800 ancient monuments within a 6 mile radius. While the Iron Age Dunadd Fort, is where Fergus, King of Dalriada, established his royal seat, and the kingdom which
eventually gave rise to modern Scotland. A good option is to do a circular tour by car, starting and finishing at Inveraray, taking in Loch Fyne, the Crinan Canal, two of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and Kilmartin Glen before travelling north to Oban and circling Loch Awe to return to Inveraray. From there it’s a scenic drive back to the city.
Islay and Jura
The island of Islay, know as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is renowned for its natural beauty, its wildlife and, of course, its world-class whisky distilleries. And did you know that it’s just an hour from Glasgow? Catch a twice daily Loganair flight from Glasgow to Islay. Once you’re out of arrivals there are various options for getting around. You can hire a car, use the island’s bus services, be picked up by a wildlife guide or go for a combination of taxis, hired bikes and foot. You’ll quickly be discovering more about Islay’s historic distilleries and enjoying a peaty dram. There are prehistoric sites, medieval castles and local heritage centres to explore, as well as two RSPB Nature Reserves. Possibly too much to do in a day but a great option is to hop over to neighbouring Jura. This is where George Orwell moved in 1946 to give himself ‘six months’ quiet’ to complete his masterpiece, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Nearby Colonsay, with its stunning beaches and fascinating heritage is well worth the effort for a longer break.
1: Bute Open Top Bus Tours 2: Inveraray 3: Paddling at Ettrick Bay, Bute 4: The Marble Hall, Mount Stuart 5: Caol Ila Distillery, Islay