The Kyles Of Bute

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 4 1s+2s+3s set, 1M+2L also 2M+3L change places RH
5- 8 1M+3M also 1L+3L change places LH, 1L+2M also 2L+3M change places RH. 321
9-16 1s+2s (at bottom) dance ½ R&L; 1s+3s (at top) dance ½ R&L. 1(3)(2)
17-20 1s lead down, cross below 3rd place and cast up to 2nd place opposite sides (3s step up 19-20). (3)(1)(2)
21-24 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 up round 3s. (3)1(2)
25-28 3s+1s+2s cross passing partner RSh (1 bar) and circle 6H ½ round. (2)1(3)
29-32 2s+1s+3s cross passing partner RSh (2 bars), 1s cross RH to 2nd place own side. 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

The Kyles are divided into the East and West Kyles.

The East Kyle (Scottish Gaelic: An Caol an Ear) stretches northwest from Rothesay Bay to the entrance of Loch Riddon, where the Burnt Islands and Eilean Dubh are located at its northern end.

The West Kyle (Scottish Gaelic: An Caol an Iar/An Caol Ceathrach) extends southwest from this point, passing the village of Tighnabruaich and leading out to the Sound of Bute.

The area is designated as a National Scenic Area.

The eastern shores of the East Kyle are part of the Ardentraive Estate, which is owned by the Mount Stuart Trust. This trust also owns Mount Stuart House and much of the Isle of Bute, including the eastern shoreline of the West Kyle. The Mount Stuart Trust is primarily controlled by the Crichton-Stuart family, descendants of the Marquess of Bute.

The Rhubodach estate on Bute, encompassing the western shoreline of the East Kyle, was previously owned by actor and director Lord Attenborough. In August 2009, he put the 2,012-acre estate up for sale. A referendum held on February 12, 2010, revealed that 93% of islanders supported a plan to purchase the land for the community. In January 2011, Lord Attenborough sold the estate, which is largely forested, for the reduced price of £1.48 million. The Rhubodach estate is now owned by the Bute Community Land Company, a charitable organization formed by the island's residents.

The primary landowner on the western shoreline of the West Kyle is Ardlamont Forest, which, as of 2002, was owned by Loch Lomond Distillery.

A viewpoint and indicator on the A8003 road, offering views of the Kyles, is owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Looking Down The Kyles Of Bute, Argyll & Bute, Scotland
View From Near The National Trust For Scotland Viewpoint

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