Ranger Service

Our countryside Ranger Service operates throughout the Bute Estate on the Isle of Bute. We assist and advise visitors of the many walks, areas of special interest and wildlife that there are to enjoy on the island, and can help with arranging access. The service also plays an important role in rural conservation and education.

Walks

There are many walks of varying length and difficulty, from short strolls in the Policies of Mount Stuart to a West Island Way footpath, which takes two full days to complete. The terrain across the island is varied, covering moorland, forestry and beaches. For further information on the walks you can enjoy during your stay, visit Walk Highlands.

There is a wonderful example of a raised beach to the east of Mount Stuart house, where you can clearly see the layers of sand, rocks and shells that have built up over thousands of years. There are also a number of areas along the shore which offer stunning views of the Cumbraes and the Ayrshire hills.

Wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife on Bute. You are likely to see roe deer and brown hares on the island and if you visit the shore you might see the seals which frequent the rocks and beaches; occasionally you can even see otters too. At night you might come across one of the four different kinds of bats which live at Mount Stuart.

A great variety of birds also visit the island throughout the year, making Bute the perfect place for bird enthusiasts.

The Island

Our Ranger Service can advise visitors of other areas of special interest on the island, further afield from Mount Stuart. You can find out about archaeological sites on the island as well as areas of geological interest, including the Highland boundary fault. The Ranger Service works closely with farmers and voluntary groups to help maintain wildlife corridors, tree lines, hedge laying and dry stone walls, and four bird hides have recently been built on three of our lochs and on the shore of Ettrick Bay.

Ranger

Billy Shiels
Email: billy@mountstuart.com
Tel: 01700 503858