A beautiful little island off the Ayrshire coast, just over an hour and a half from Glasgow, has just been named the best place to live in Scotland.
The Isle of Bute can be found in the Firth of Clyde just over the water from the bustling seaside town of Largs, passed the islands of Cumbrae and just off the north coast of Arran.
Speaking about the island in Argyll, The Sunday Times judges said: "Island life with a difference takes pride of place in Scotland.
"Just 90 minutes from Glasgow, Bute stands head and shoulders above all the other Scottish Islands for commutability, and it’s full of adventurous locals fizzing with ideas to make their neighbourhoods shine."
The little island has an area of around 122 square km, and is just over half the size of its larger neighbouring island of Arran.
Towns and villages
The only town on Bute is Rothesay, which is where the ferry from the mainland lands, while the other villages on the island include Port Bannatyne, Kingrath, and Kilchattan Bay.
The average house price on the island, which has a population of just under 6,500, is just £155,000.
Attractions and things to do
Popular with anglers and golfers, the island is a big draw for tourists thanks to its beautiful beaches, which include the ever-popular Ettrick Bay on the west coast, and the hidden gem that is Scalpsie Bay.
Mount Stuart House and the ruins of the St. Blanes Chapel and St. Ninian's Point are some of the fascinating buildings you'll find here.
Mount Stuart House is an extravagant Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens that is also close to the home of the newly launched Isle of Bute Gin, headed up by experienced distiller, Simon Tardivel, its exciting Gin Garden can be found behind the mansion house.
Rothesay Castle is a 12th-century stronghold filled with history, with its circular sandstone wall it has strong links with Scotland's royalty of the past.
According to the Good Pub Guide, those looking for the best watering hole on the island would be remiss not to check out the Black Bull in Rothesay.
Lauded for its wonderfully priced pub grub and three ale pumps, it's the kind of community pub we all love.
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