The Kyles of Bute in Scotland’s Cowal Peninsula is one of my favourite places in the whole world.
In Glasgow when I was a child (in the olden days) it was a tradition to take summer day trip on “The Waverley” paddle steamer. This annual treat was called “goin’ doon the watter“, though my English mother never allowed such Glaswegian dialect to be spoken in her presence!
The steamer left from the Broomielaw dock in the centre of Glasgow, sailed down River Clyde out to the Firth and over to the Kyles of Bute. A kyle (in Scottish Gaelic, a “Caol” or “Caoil”) is a narrow strip of water; this one separates the northern end of the Isle of Bute from the Cowal Peninsula.
When I was teaching, we used to bring kids here for a week’s field studies trip every year for about 10 years. We stayed in an education centre, formerly a Victorian millionaire’s house, in the village of Colintraive. When I look at this photograph I can pinpoint exactly where it was; it’s tucked in behind the trees on the shore of the bay on the left, by the wee white buildings you might just make out.
The house was called “Caol Ruadh” which is Gaelic for “Red Kyle” as legend has it that the waters once flowed red with the blood of warring Scottish clansmen.
This photo was taken from Queen’s View looking down the Kyle.
The Kyles of Bute ©HelenBushe
This second photo was taken from the cenotaph outside Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire, not too far away from where I live now.
Watching over the Town ©HelenBushe
It’s back up to Scotland for a view of the interior of The National Museum of Scotland:
National Museum of Scotland ©HelenBushe
Lastly, over to my home city of Glasgow for a picture of the the entrance hall of Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art.
GoMA ©HelenBushe
You’ll always be assured of a welcome here
I’ve enjoyed sharing this post as it contains some of my special memories.
Looking down seems to have turned into looking back.
All these places can be visited again, so I think I’ll look forward instead!
Thank you Cee for your Fun Foto Challenge: Looking Down at Things
7 Comments
Olga · 26 February 2017 at 01:28
Wonderful post, Helen. Loved your ‘looking back’ story about the Kyles of Bute. Beautiful part of the world to live in. <3
Cee Neuner · 22 February 2017 at 18:26
Your photos Helen are great as always. I really like your first photo.
HMB · 22 February 2017 at 18:27
Thanks Cee. Glad you like the first one. It’s such a special place for me.
HMB · 22 February 2017 at 16:43
Ignore Ps. On iPad some words appeared to be missing.
HMB · 22 February 2017 at 16:42
Ps ……and pleasure craft
cwaugh212 · 22 February 2017 at 15:44
I love that first photo. The wake of the boat on the water adds character.
HMB · 22 February 2017 at 16:42
Thank you Charles. It’s a busy wee stretch of water, with ferries and pleasure craft.