Islands of the Clyde

The Islands of the Clyde are islands in and around the Firth of Clyde off Scotland’s west coast, including Arran, Bute, and the Cumbraes.

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Isle of Arran: An island in the Firth of Clyde known for varied geology, mountainous interiors, and coastal settlements. The largest and most geographically varied island in the group.
Firth of Clyde: A large coastal inlet on Scotland’s west coast, opening into the North Atlantic. The islands occupy its waters and the adjoining sea lochs.
Caledonian MacBrayne: A Scottish ferry operator serving mainland and island communities on the west coast. Its services provide many of the islands’ principal public transport links.
Geology of Arran: The geological record of Arran, including ancient rocks, sedimentary strata, and igneous formations. Arran’s unusually varied rocks make it a compact showcase of regional geology.
Machrie Moor Stone Circles: A group of prehistoric stone circles and standing stones on the Isle of Arran. These monuments provide evidence of prehistoric ritual and settlement on Arran.
Isle of Bute: An island in the Firth of Clyde, separated from the Cowal peninsula by the Kyles of Bute. Its sheltered shores and central position make Bute a defining Clyde island.
Kyles of Bute: A narrow sea channel separating the Isle of Bute from the Cowal peninsula. This channel shapes Bute’s connection to the surrounding mainland coast.
Arran Ferry: A passenger and vehicle ferry service connecting Arran with the Scottish mainland. The route is a key link between Arran and the mainland road network.
Highland Boundary Fault: A major geological fault zone separating the Scottish Highlands from the Central Lowlands. Its trace crosses Arran and helps explain the island’s geological contrasts.
Dunagoil: An Iron Age hillfort and archaeological site on the Isle of Bute. Its remains document early defended settlement on one of the group’s inhabited islands.