The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival
The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival began in 1988 and has been staged annually on the first weekend of May ever since - thisyear’s event will be the 21st.
The first Festival was a small affair with only six bands, and the organisers held their breath to see if anyone would come to a small Scottish island with little tradition of jazz (although big dance bands certainly played regularly at Rothesay Pavilion in the 1950’s and 60’s). Happily enough fans turned up that first year to encourage another venture the following year, and the Festival has continued to grow in reputation and stature ever since.
Some very well known jazz names featured on the programme over the next few years - Acker Bilk, Monty Sunshine, Martin Taylor, Tommy Smith, Andy Sheppard, Carol Kidd, The Temperance 7, and The London Community Gospel Choir amongst others, and the Festival continues to attract top class UK and international bands in mainly the Traditional New Orleans idiom.
The Festival is a great supporter of young musicians who feature prominently in the annual programme.
Phil Mason
Director Phil Mason - another well-known name in jazz circles - is a long-term resident on the Island and he brings his very popular New Orleans All-Stars with Blues & Gospel singer Christine Tyrrell to the weekend every year.
Everyone who visits the Festival comment on the relaxed and happy atmosphere - the local residents are very proud of the event and always give a warm welcome to jazz fans.
Bute Agricultural Show
Known locally as “The Cattle show”, the annual agricultural show in Rothesay is like a mini Royal Highland Show. In fact 2 years ago in 2006 the Prince of Wales attended Bute Agricultural Society’s
Coos at the show
200th anniversary show.
Held at the showground and within walking distance of Rothesay town centre, the show features livestock from the many farms on the island as well as horses, chickens and dogs.
Visit the Bute Agricultural Show website
Bute Highland Games
The origins of Highland Games in Scotland can be traced back many hundreds of years. Clan chiefs used the games to recruit staff-Winners of races made excellent couriers, while winners of strength events made fine bodyguards and soldiers.
Johnny Bute - 2008 Highland Games Chieftain
Rival Clan Chiefs often used to match their champions against each other at important Highland Gatherings and great status was placed on winning and losing.
Dancers and Pipers also became part of the household staff of Clan Chiefs-not merely for their entertainment value but also for the esteem and glory which their skills and success reflected on their masters.
King Malcolm is thought to have begun the Royal association with Highland Games at Braemar during the 11th Century. It was Queen Victoria, who dearly loved Scotland, who later made modern Highland Games so universally popular from the 19th. Century onwards.
Although Games were held on Bute in earlier times, their exact history is unclear. The modern Games as we know them began in 1947, under the auspices of Bute Shinty and Amateur Athletic Sports Club.
The founder Secretary Tom B. McMillan served as Honorary Secretary from 1947 till 1989. He remained active on the Organising Committee as our Vice Chieftain until his sad death during 1993. In 1989 Gordon Sutherland was appointed Honorary Secretary until he stepped down at the Annual General Meeting in June, 2008. At the same AGM David Anderson was unanimously appointed Secretary – the third Secretary in 61 years.
These Games have gradually grown in status and strength, to their present position as one of the major events on the Highland Games calendar.
All competitions at Bute Highland Games are run in accordance with Amateur Rules and Regulations. The preparatory and organisational work is carried out by volunteers.
Visit the official Bute Highland Games website