Jayne Whyte's Portfolio

Unlike my very planned routine lifestyle, I thrive and breathe on spontaneous adventures. my recent trip from Glasgow to the Isle of Bute was equal parts breathtaking and hilariously unpredictable. I woke up on the second day of my annual leave and decided I was not going to stay in bed all day like I had done the previous day. The weather was perfect for a day out and so why not. I looked at Google map and wondered about going to the nearest ferry point. 

I opened my Trainline App and checked train prices to Wemyss Bay. Previous week, I had seen a post on social media of someone’s experience to Wemyss Bay. I was in luck as it wasn’t going to cost an arm and a leg to move around as it was not a peak period. I quickly showered, put on my lip gloss with my tripod in my bag and a bottle of water I was off to the train station. My smile was everywhere!

My adventure began at Glasgow Central Station, where I confidently strode in, only to immediately second-guess which platform my train was on. Pro tip: ScotRail’s digital boards are your best friend—unless they’re updating, in which case, good luck. I thought to quickly grab for myself a hot cup of green tea at Greggs.

After a minor panic, the digital board announced the platform 6 for Wemyss Bay and I found the right train to Wemyss Bay. I had the luxury of choosing where to sit as I wasn’t assigned any seat. As I sat down, I felt nervous but proud of myself. You know, that feeling that you are going to experience somewhere you have only seen on a map. I giggled like a five year old who had just got her favourite lollipop. 

Wemyss Bay is a charming little port town that sounds like it was named by someone whispering into the wind and sort of reminds me of my lovely cousin who we fondly “Miss”.

The hour-long train ride was *ridiculously* scenic. I had never seen such beauty in my whole life. We passed rolling green hills, quaint villages, and at least three sheep who looked like they had life figured out better than I did. 

The views were so distracting that I didn’t open the book I had brought with me to read. I memorised every stop and tried to pronounce the names- both in Gaelic and English. It was fun! At the same time, I was taking photos of the views (multitasking isn’t on a holiday) Incredibly beautiful! 

The last stop was at Wemyss Bay Station: A Time Capsule of Elegance.

Stepping off the train, I was greeted by Wemyss Bay Station—a stunning Victorian masterpiece with a curved glass roof that made me feel like I’d stepped into a period drama. The place was so picturesque. Reminded me of Bridgeton and some other Victorian movie I had watched in the past.

The ferry terminal was just a short walk away, and after a quick ticket purchase (£8.40 return—absolute bargain) and a few people on the queue, I was ready to sail (could not believe it myself-inside I was giggling in excitement).

Ferry to Bute: Seagulls, Sea Breezes, and Sudden Realisations

The CalMac ferry to Rothesay (Bute’s main town) was where the real magic happened. As we glided across the Firth of Clyde, the sun glittered on the water, the breeze messed up my carefully styled hair, and a very determined me tried to capture all my feelings and sights with my phone camera.

The 45-minute crossing was pure bliss—until I realised I had no idea what to do once I arrived. But that’s the joy of solo travel: figuring it out as you go! The one thing I was sure of was that I needed to eat something. 

Bute: A Little Island with Big Charm

Stepping onto Bute felt like entering a secret paradise. Rothesay greeted me with colourful storefronts, a ruined castle (because Scotland *loves* a dramatic ruin), and the friendliest locals.

My first stop was at a lovely restaurant where I had a warm chicken wrap and a cup of tea. It was fulfilling. 

Second stop was a local bookshop- lovely, cosy and with a lot of books.

I spent the rest of the day touring the Bute Castle, the Bute Museum and the Bute distillery. I loved how all these places were just a walk away from the ferry terminal. All the people I met were nice as well. The guy at the museum allowed me to charge my phone at some point during my tour even though I arrived Glasgow with run down battery. 

Was the journey smooth? Yes. Very straightforward and heartwarming.  

Did I enjoy the trip? Of course. I had a fabulous time and no regrets leaving my lovely bed.  

Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.  

If you’re looking for a quick escape from wherever- including a midlife crisis happening-Bute is calling.