This evening, I am posting information on the colourful Ardencraig Gardens near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Information on Ardencraig Gardens

Firstly, the name seems to a blend of two Celtic languages , namely Brittonic (Welsh) and Gaelic. Arden means ‘high’ or ‘highland’ whilst the Craig element is from Gaelic and means ‘crag’ or ‘rocky place’. The name fits the location exactly.

The gardens are now maintained by Argyll and Bute Council. However they originally formed the flower garden of a local mansion.

Access is by road or on foot. Pedestrians have the option of a delightful woodland walk from Rothesay which is the principal town on Bute. The woodland route also provides excellent views over Rothesay harbour, and wider afield.

Visitors can enjoy the brightly coloured fuchsia and bedding displays, as well as a large selection of more exotic plant species within the glasshouses. There is also an extensive aviary housing a wide variety of birds.

Access is free but check opening times from website.

I visited the site on foot in course of a four hour stopover during a Clyde cruise on the Waverley.

More information

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a wide range of information including the subjects of islands and gardens. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.