Spring/Summer Events – 2026
Saturday 26th April Archaeology walk – St Ninian’s, Sue Hothersall
Saturday 16th May Wild flowers – Loch Fad, Roger Connard
Wednesday 24th May Wild flowers – Stravanan, Roger Connard
Saturday 4th July Moth Morning. At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of
Patrick and Janet O’Sullivan) at 10.00 when overnight traps
will be opened. Leader Ron Forrester. Please book in
advance via phone (01700 505352) or email
(ronandedith1@gmail.com).
August Bug and creepy crawlies, Lucy Lapwing, Location and date to be determined.
September Looking at Bute’s amazing bryophytes. Leif Bersweden, Location and date to be determined.
Spring/Summer Events – 2025
Saturday 3 May Archaeology – Bicker Houses, meet Chapill Hill carpark 10am. see Spring newsletter for details.
Saturday 31 May Archaeology walk – Dunagoil, meet 10 am at the St. Blane’s parking area on the Plan Road or the layby near Dunagoil Farm/Cottage.
Wednesday 2 July Wild Flowers meet 10 am at the carpark at the southern end of Ettrick Bay ( grid ref: NS044456 ) for a coastal wild flower walk, approx 2 hours
Wednesday 16 July Balnakailly Wood meet 10 am at Rhubodach parking area. Joint event with Bute Community Forest. Speaker and Guide Ian Dow, ACT www.act-now.org.uk Book early! This event will be open to the public, not just BM&NHS members
Wednesday 20 August Moth Morning At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of Patrick & Janet O’Sullivan) at 10am. When overnight traps will be opened. Leader Ron Forrester. Please book in advance 01700 505352 or email: ronandedith1@gmail.com
Summer Events -2023
Tuesday 27th June Wild Flowers: Angus Hannah
Tuesday 4th July Commonwealth War Graves
Meet outside St Mary’s Chapel (The United Church of Bute), High Street, Rothesay at 14.00. Terry Wright (a speaker and tour guide for Commonwealth War Graves Commission) will accompany members for a walk around the War Graves lasting 45-60 minutes, when he will discuss an interesting selection of those buried in the cemetery who have fantastic stories.
Saturday 8th July Archaeology
A morning walk to Bicker’s House, a Neolithic burial cairn on the moor above Scalpsie, combined with a look at a section of Thom’s cuts, the system of small canals divised by Robert Thom to bring water power to Rothesay cotton Mills. Meet at upper Scalpsie Car Park (by ‘Seal View’ watchpoint) at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Saturday 15th July Wild Flowers
A morning walk at the ‘Wee Bay’ to see wild flowers. Meet at the grass parking area (NS098556) just before reaching Kilchattan Bay village at 10.00. Leader Roger Connard (500390).
Wednesday 26th July Moth Morning
At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of Patrick and Janet O’Sullivan) at 10.00 when overnight traps will be opened. Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Saturday 2nd September Geology Walk
A morning walk from Scalpsie to Ardscalpsie Point lasting c.4 hours. Meet outside Bute Museum at 09.00 to share cars. Walk (grade 2) on a rocky shore and cobble beach. This shore walk is along the Highland Boundary Fault, where we will see a variety of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks, as well as raised beaches, old cliffs and an old sea stack. Leader Stewart Redwood.
Sunday 3rd September Geology and History Walk
An easy morning walk in Rothesay, which lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, lasting 2 to 3 hours. We’ll be looking at the geology and see how this has influenced the development of the town, from its layout, to the stone used for its buildings. Start outside Bute Museum at 10.00. Leader Stewart Redwood.
Saturday 9th September Archaeology
A morning’s archaeology walk with Sue Hothersall. Details to be arranged. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835). Nearer the time, please contact Sue for details.
Summer Events -2022
Unfortunately it was necessary to cancel our 2020 summer programme due to Covid-19, however last year things went ahead, more or less as planned. Restrictions are now almost fully lifted so it looks promising that we will be able to hold this year’s outdoor activities as normal. We have therefore arranged a set of summer events.
However, we are not yet free of covid and if you wish to join any of our planned events, please contact the leader in advance to book a place, particularly as numbers may be restricted. Once you’ve booked a place,the leader will then also be able to let you know should an event be cancelled or altered in any way.
Wednesday 11th May 2022 Moth morning
At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of Patrick and Janet O’Sullivan) at 10.00 when overnight traps will be opened – Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Wednesday 8th June 2022 Wild Flowers
An afternoon walk from the ‘Seal View’ Car Park at Scalpsie Bay to the raised beach at Clachan Ard in search of wild flowers. Meet at the ‘Seal View’ Car Park at 14.00. Leader Angus Hannah (504023).
Saturday 2nd July 2022 Wild Flowers
A morning walk in the Port Bannatyne area to look for wild flowers. Meet at the bus turning circle car park at 10.00. Leader Roger Connard (500390).
Saturday 9th July 2022 Archaeology
A morning walk at St Blane’s. There is much to see at St Blane’s a 12th century church and graveyard. If time and weather permit there will also be a short walk from St Blane’s to visit Kingaven deserted settlement. Meet at the St Blane’s road end car park at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Tuesday 9th August 2022 Bat evening
An evening visit to a bat roost. The location has not been finalised to allow the leader, Billy Shields, to choose a bat roost that is in active use. Contact Billy nearer to the event taking place, when he will be able to provide details about time, location and meeting place. Leader Billy Shields (504931).
Saturday 3rd September 2022 Archaeology
A morning walk to view Glecknabae and Cairn Ban Neolithic Cairns on the road north of Ettrick Bay with a possible extension to St Michael’s grave (another Neolithic site) further along the road if the weather is good. Meet at Glecknabae Car Park at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Summer Events – 2021
Saturday 10th July Archaeology
A morning walk to St Ninian’s Point to look at the early Christian chapel, prehistoric standing stones, a fish curing station and two wells. Meet at Ballianlay Hall Car Park at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Wednesday 11th August Moth morning
At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of Patrick and Janet O’Sullivan) at 10.00 when overnight traps will be opened – Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Tuesday 17th August Wild Flowers
A morning walk at Loch Fad, mainly looking for plants along the causeway and in the alder woodland along the shore on the east side of the loch. Meet at Loch Fad, in the car park at the west end of the causeway at 10.00. Leader Angus Hannah (504023).
Saturday 4th September Archaeology
A morning walk at St Blane’s and Dunagoil. There is much to see at both St Blane’s a 12th century church and graveyard, and Dunagoil, where within the vitrified fort artefacts have been recovered that date from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, and include evidence of bronze working. Meet at the St Blane’s road end car park at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
If you wish to join any of our planned events, due to Covid-19, it is essential that you contact the leader in advance to book a place, particularly in case numbers might require to be restricted. The leader will then also be able to let you know should an event require to be cancelled at short notice.
Summer Events -2019
Saturday 27th April Archaeology
A morning walk at Scalpsie to look at a Bronze Age barrow, Iron Age hill fort, lime kilns, deserted settlement sites and discuss the possibility of Viking settlements. Meet at Scalpsie Bay car park (Grid Ref. NS060587) at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Saturday 18th May Wild Flowers
A morning walk up the Lime Kiln path at Kilchattan Bay to look for wild flowers. Meet at the jetty (Grid Ref. NS103550) at 10.00. Leader Roger Connard (500390).
Saturday 6th July Wild Flowers
A morning walk along the Tramway track to Ettrick Bay to look for wild flowers. Meet at St Colmac’s cemetery car park by Greenwood’s Crossing at 10.00. Leader Roger Connard (500390).
Tuesday 9th July visit to Bat roost
Meet Bute Museum 21.00. We will then car share and drive to view an active bat roost. Leader Billy Shields (504931).
Thursday 1st August Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
At the winter talk by Mike Holcome, Senior Ranger at the Park, members indicated their enthusiasm for an organised visit to the Park. Mike has kindly agreed to accompany us on a circular walk from Cornalees Bridge, along the Greenock Cut Trail. It is approximately 7 miles long, but mainly on good paths, so easy going.
Meet for 10.00 ferry from Rothesay. Take packed-lunch and waterproof clothing. Contact leader in advance re car sharing. Leader Pat O’Sullivan (501999).
Wednesday 21st August Moth morning
At Rhoda House, Hydro Road, Port Bannatyne (courtesy of Patrick and Janet O’Sullivan) at 10.00 when overnight traps will be opened – Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Thursday 29th August Wild Flowers
A morning walk from Kerrycroy to Scoulag, mainly looking for ‘plants of the shoreline’. Meet at Kerrycroy at 10.00. Wear wellies or other waterproof footwear. Bus option Port Bannatyne 09.30, Rothesay 09.45. Leader Angus Hannah (503879).
Saturday 31st August Archaeology
A morning walk to St Ninian’s Point to look at the early Christian chapel, prehistoric standing stones, a fish curing station and two wells. Meet at Ballianlay Hall Car Park at 10.00. Leader Sue Hothersall (503835).
Moth mornings at Mount Stuart
A series of regular moth mornings have been arranged at Mount Stuart:-
Wed 3rd April
Wed 24th April
Wed 15th May
Wed 12th June
Wed 3rd July
Wed 24th July
Wed 14th August
Wed 4th September
Wed 25th September
Wed 16th October
The plan is for moth traps, that have been put in place the previous evening, to be opened and for the moths to be identified, counted and once everyone has had a chance to enjoy the wonderful variety, they will be released. Meeting place and timing may vary. Anyone wishing to attend one or more of these events should contact either Ron Forrester (505352) or Dougie Menzies (505732) in advance for full details.
Summer activities 2017
Please note for all activities we recommend you bring suitable footwear& be prepared for adverse weather
History & archaeology
The group surveying abandoned farmsteads are continuing their work this summer. If you wish to become involved contact either Paul Duffy (07730 887110) or Isabell McArthur (831643)
Natural History Events
Sat 22nd April: Moss foray. A leisurely walk in Skeoch Wood looking, in particular, at mosses. Meet opposite Sailing Club at 10.00. Leader Angus Hannah (503879).
Sat 20th May: Flower walk. A look at spring flowers around the Port Bannatyne end of the tramway track. Please bring a wildflower ID book if you have one. Meet at Port Bannatyne bus turning area at 10.00. Leader Roger Connard (500390). Check out Rogers website https://sites.google.com/site/butewildflowerwalks
Sat 27th May: Moth and small mammal trapping at Kilchattan Bay. Meet 10.00 at bus turning circle at end of Kilchattan Bay road, when traps will be opened. Leaders Glyn and Dawn Collis (504429).
Fri 2nd June: Geology walk at Ardscalpsie. Meet Bute Museum at 10.00 for car sharing. Leader Stewart Redwood ( stewart@sredwood.com ).
Sat 3rd June: Marsh Fritillary walk along shore below Mecknoch. Possibly followed by afternoon walk at Balnakailly Bay. Meet at layby on A844 approximately 150m north of Mecknoch Farm. This is a provisional date as sightings of Marsh Fritillary butterflies are very weather/sun dependent. Contact leader Glyn Collis (504429) in advance.
Sat 10th June: Flower walk. A walk from Loch Fad up the road towards the waterworks. There should be a good variety of flowers at this time of year, so we will probably not get very far along the road. Meet Loch Fad car park 10.00 (walk will last 2-3 hours). Leader Angus Hannah (503879).
Tue 4th July: dusk visit to a Bat roost. Three species of bat roost at Shalunt. We will watch the evening departure from the roost. Meet Museum at 21.15 for car sharing, as there is limited parking at Shalunt. We may want to remain at Shalunt for a couple of hours from 21.50, depending upon weather and whether the bats are still active around the roost. Leader Billy Shields (504931).
Sat 8th July: Moth and small mammal trapping at Glen More. Meet 10.00 at Glenmore Farm house when traps will be opened. Leaders Glyn and Dawn Collis (504429).
Sat 22nd July: Flower walk. A morning walk along the raised beach at Kilchattan, to look at some of the later flowering species in this rich habitat. Please bring a wildflower ID book if you have one. Meet Kilchattan Bay (bus turning circle car park) at 10.00 – Leader Roger Connard (500390).
Sat 5th August: Walk to Bull Loch. Butterflies, dragonflies, birds and other fauna & flora. Meet Rhubodach car park (by ferry ramp) 10.00. Bring picnic lunch. Sturdy footwear essential. Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Sat 16th Sept: Moth and small mammal trapping at Shalunt Quarry. Meet 09.00 Guildford Sq (for car share as parking is limited at Shalunt Quarry) when traps will be opened. Leaders Glyn & Dawn Collis (504429).
Sat 14th Oct: Moth trapping at Mount Stuart. Meet 09.00 at Visitors’ Centre, when traps will be opened. Leaders Glyn and Dawn Collis (504429).
Bird Group
Sat 29th April: Gigha Meet Guildford Sq 08.00 – leader Viv Shelley (503475; mobile 07860 184821)
12th-15th May: Mull leader Billy Shields (504931) For more details contact Billy
Sun 11th June: Pelagic using ‘Big Blue’ Meet Rothesay Harbour 10.00 – leader Viv Shelley (503475; mobile 07860 184821)
Sat 29th July: RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve Meet Guildford Sq for 08.00 ferry – leader Ron Forrester (505352) We’ll be met by Becky Austin, RSPB Assistant Warden and then shown around the reserve by the leaders of local RSPB Group, John and Morag Clark. Bring wellies as we’ll be walking over fields and wet ground.
Tue 22nd Aug: Owl evening Meet Guildford Sq 20.00 – leader Liz McKirdy 504687; mobile 07985 771542)
Sat 30th Sep: East Lothian/Fife Meet Rothesay Harbour for 08.00 ferry. Decision on East Lothian or Fife taken nearer the time.-Leaders Ron Forrester (505352) & Dougie Menzies (505732 or 07818 093893)
Sat 30th Sep: East Lothian/Fife Meet Rothesay Harbour for 08.00 ferry. Decision on East Lothian or Fife taken nearer the time.-Leaders Ron Forrester (505352) & Dougie Menzies (505732 or mobile 07818 093893)
Except for ‘owl evening’ you must contact leaders in advance to arrange car sharing or a place on ‘Big Blue’.
Fauna and Flora Field Trips & Workshops summer 2016
Fauna and Flora Field Trips and Workshops summer 2016
Sat 14th May Moth trapping. Rhubodach Forest (traps set overnight). Meet at start of track to Rhubodach Forest 09.00 to open traps then examine and identify catch. Leader Glyn Collis (504429)
Tue 24th May Bat Detector Training. Meet Bute Museum at 21.00. Short indoor presentation, followed by walk around the town centre, including Rothesay Castle, hoping to find both Pipistrelles, Long-eared and Daubenton’s Bats. – Leader Billy Shields (504931)
Sat 28th May Wild Flowers (a short walk lasting 2-3 hours). Please be prepared for adverse weather and bring suitable footwear. Meet Kilchattan Bay (bus turning circle car park) at 10.00 – Leader Roger Connard (500390)
Sat 11th June Moth trapping. Meet Mount Stuart Visitor Centre car park 09.00 to open traps set overnight. Leader Glyn Collis (504429)
Sun 10th July Wild Flowers (a walk at Colintraive). A leisurely walk southwards along the road, taking a picnic lunch and looking at anything of interest. Meet at Rhubodach for 10.40 ferry – Leader Angus Hannah (503879)
Sat 23rd July Wild Flowers (a short walk lasting 2-3 hours). Meet Scalpsie Bay car park at 10.00 – Leader Roger Connard (500390)
Sat 30th July Moth and small mammal trapping. Meet Bute Produce 09.00 to open traps set overnight. Hopefully including training in small mammal recording. Leaders Glyn and Dawn Collis (504429)
Wed 3rd August Walk to Bull Loch, looking for butterflies, dragonflies, birds and other fauna and flora. Meet Rhubodach car park (next to CalMac ferry ramp) 10.00. Bring picnic lunch. Sturdy footwear required. Leader Ron Forrester (505352).
Sun 21st August Trees: a walk in Skipper’s Wood (Bogany Wood) primarily to improve tree identification skills. Meet at foot of Bishop Terrace Brae (by Kettledrum) at 14.30 – Leader Angus Hannah (503879)
Tue 23rd August Bat Detector Training. Meet Bute Museum at 19.45 – short indoor presentation, then we will share cars and drive to an active bat roost – Leader Freda Seddon (Secretary of the Dumfries & Galloway branch of Bat Conservation Trust and a seasoned bat worker on National Trust property)
Wed 7th Sep Moth trapping training. Meet Craigmore Bowling Club 09.00 to open traps set overnight. Leader Glyn Collis (504429)
Glyn Collis will lead one or two walks in June to look for Marsh Fritillary butterflies. These will be weather dependent and arranged at short notice. Please contact Glyn (504429) to let him know if you are interested in going on any of these walks.
There may be other events, again weather dependent, info on these will be posted at the Museum or let Glyn know and you will be contacted once a day/time has been arranged.
If you have any queries, or require transport please contact either event leaders or Ron Forrester (505352).
Marsh Fritillary, near Carrick Point, Bute, 06 June 2014 © Ron Forrester.
Wild Flower Walks
Two short walks to look at some of the spring and summer wild flowers on the island. The walks will be suitable for both beginners and improver, but all experienced botanists are also encouraged to attend.
Saturday 13th June – meet Kilchattan Bay (bus turning circle) at 10.10 a.m.
Saturday 8th August – meet Guildford Square at 9.45 a.m. (for Scalpsie)
Each walk will last for 2-3 hours. Please be prepared for adverse weather and wear suitable footwear. If you have a wild flower ID book, do bring it along with you. For any questions contact Roger Connard on 500390.
Dragonfly Walk
Saturday 18th July – meet Guildford Square 10.00 a.m. (car sharing will be arranged)
A short walk to look primarily for dragonflies, but also butterflies, to Mount Stuart Reservoir and Quien Burn. Again, as with the other summer events, all members interested are encouraged to come along, no matter your level of knowledge or experience. For any questions contact Ron Forrester 505352.
Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Rhubodach Forest, Bute 27.7.13 © Ron Forrester
RWF 15.5.15