inveraray
Inveraray lies on the northern shores of Loch Fyne and is the ancestral be handed out before the introduction of the modern penal system,
home of the Duke of Argyll; Inveraray Castle is open to the public during and should ensure a quiet afternoon for over-stressed parents!
the summer months and also hosts a number of festivals and events,
including the annual Highland Games. The town itself was the first Whilst Inveraray does not have any pontoon facilities it is possible to
‘new town’ to be built in Scotland, albeit back in the eighteenth century, pick up a mooring at the nearby Loch Fyne Oyster Bar at the head
and many of the buildings have significant architectural importance. of the loch before venturing ashore to sample the seafood at the
restaurant. During settled weather boats are also able to anchor off
As well as the castle, visitors are able to visit the Georgian Inveraray Jail Inveraray Pier, enabling a visit to be made to the George Hotel in the
which is now a museum. This is a particularly popular attraction with town main street, or a tour around one of the old Clyde Puffers which
children who can learn about the various punishments which used to are moored at the pier itself.
isle of bute
The Isle of Bute lies to the north east of Arran, tucked in to the southern
mainland shore of Argyll. The island is the ancestral home of the Stuart
Kings of Scotland; the ruins of the 800 year old Rothesay Castle are all
that remain of the unique circular castle – following the destruction of
the castle the family moved south their current home at Mount Stuart
which is open to the public.
Rothesay is the principal town on the island, and is served by a regular
Calmac ferry service from Wemyss Bay, mid way between Largs and
Inverkip. The town was a very popular Victorian seaside destination,
and much of the classic Victorian seafront facade, promenade and pier
still remain. Today the outer harbour has a number of pontoon berths To the north of Rothesay there is a new marina at Port Bannatyne. This
for visiting and residential boats, together with a number of moorings is an excellent facility for boats wishing to cruise the Firth, and offers an
to the west. ideal starting point for a cruise around the Kyles of Bute and beyond.
isle of arran
The Isle of Arran lies at the heart of the Firth brace of castles at Lochranza and Brodick.
of Clyde, sitting between the Ayrshire and Arran may have had over 50 distilleries in the
Kintyre coasts. At over 19 miles long and early 19th century, most of them illegal; the
10 miles wide it is the largest island within reputation of the Island as a malt producer
the Firth and has a remarkable variety of was such that gentry on the mainland often
landscapes and seascapes. The coastline is ‘took the Arran waters’! Whilst these
dotted with many picturesque villages, and distilleries are now all closed the island has
these are complimented by the rugged and a new distillery at Lochranza, and its own
mountainous interior in the north and rolling brewery at Cladach, midway between the
green hills and woodland in the south. moorings at Brodick and Brodick Castle.
Arran is arguably the most popular destination For the more hardy there is a wealth of sandy
for sailors in the Firth of Clyde, and offers beaches, and activities such as windsurfing
moorings at Brodick and Lamlash on the east are also available. The west side of the
side of the island and in Loch Ranza to the island is more rugged than the east, but
north where there is also a new pontoon offers sailors the opportunity to head for
facility for dinghies, tenders and small boats. anchorages at Carradale and Skipness on
the Kintyre coastline
This island has a total of seven golf courses,
all of which are open to visitors, and a www.ayrshire-arran.com
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Firth of Clyde.indd 8 11/12/09 12:23:29
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