Rhubodach facts for kids

Rhubodach is a small village located on the north-eastern coast of the Isle of Bute in Scotland. It's a quiet place known for its important ferry link.

Ferry in the harbour of Rhubodach

What's in a Name?

The name Rhubodach has interesting roots! It comes from the Gaelic language. It might mean "old man's point" or "promontory." Another idea is that it means "the Bute headland." A headland is a piece of land that sticks out into the sea.

The Important Ferry Link

Rhubodach is at the very north of Bute. It's connected by the A886 road. From here, a small ferry takes people and cars across the water. This short journey goes over the Kyles of Bute. The ferry travels to Colintraive, which is on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll.

Scotland's Shortest Ferry?

The ferry route is run by a company called Caledonian MacBrayne. It's said to be one of the shortest ferry trips still running in Scotland! It's a quick way to get between the Isle of Bute and the mainland.

Bridge or Ferry?

Sometimes, people talk about replacing the ferry with a bridge. This idea often comes up when discussing Bute's economy. However, many people on Bute don't want a bridge. They worry that a bridge would make Bute lose its special "island status." Being an island is a big part of Bute's identity.

Rhubodach Estate and the Community

For many years, a famous film actor and director named Richard Attenborough owned a large piece of land here. It was called the Rhubodach estate.

A Community Purchase

In 2009, Richard Attenborough decided to sell his estate. It was a huge area, about 2,000 acres (which is about 800 hectares). The people of Bute had an idea. They wanted to buy the land for the community.

In February 2010, the islanders voted on the plan. A huge number, 93% of them, supported buying the land. In January 2011, Richard Attenborough sold the estate. It included a big forest. He sold it for a lower price of £1.48 million, helping the community's dream come true.