Bute Sons and Daughters

Welcome to Bute Sons & Daughters

Like much of Western & Highland Scotland the Island of Bute has witnessed the gradual depletion of its population to the current level of around 7000. Now, instead of a large island population we have a massive off-island population, many of whom still like to keep in touch with their spiritual homeland.

The Bute Sons & Daughters project aims to develop Bute's genealogy strands, not only in terms of family histories but also our local heritage. Within these pages we have compiled some interesting articles, facts and anecdotes gathered from various sources on the island, including members of Bute's population. Some of this information will stir nostalgic memories of bygone Bute and some may help budding genealogists in their quest for family roots.

Project News...

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

July 2010 Newsletter - by Webmaster
Volume 2, issue 4 of our newsletter "The Islander" is published today and available to BSD Family History Society members for download from the website. This issue is 7 pages long and is in PDF format.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Island Memories - the Bute Digital Archive Documentary - by Webmaster
We are delighted to announce that, in response to public demand, the DVD of the Bute Digital Archive has been produced and is now available to purchase.

For those who haven't heard about it, here is some background:

Margaret Currie, a long-time resident of Bute, and Brian Barr, a recent immigrant to the island, were both members of the Bute Writers' Group. Each year the group paid a visit to Ferfadd Court and entertained the elderly residents with readings of their work. Over tea and scones, a group of residents shared their memories of the island before, during, and after the Second World War. For a new arrival like Brian, their stories were fascinating and it seemed a shame that they were not being preserved for future generations. With a background in television production, Brian Barr decided to film interviews with older islanders and, with the encouragement of Bute Sons and Daughters and a grant from Awards for All, the archive was born.

Although the 40 or so interviews form the heart of the archive, the project widened to include photographs, mostly from Bute Museum's collection, old film from the Scottish Screen Archive, and up-to-date film of the landmark events in the island's calendar - the Highland Games, the Jazz Festival and Vintage Car Rally.

This documentary contains some of the highlights of the collection and has been shown in various venues throughout the island.

The DVD is a wonderful record of the modern history of the Isle of Bute.

Copies cost £9.50 excluding postage. If you wish to purchase a copy, please email us with your details.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Latest Newsletter - by Webmaster
Volume 2, issue 3 of our newsletter is published today and available to BSD Family History Society members for download from the website. This issue is 6 pages long and is in PDF format.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Newsletter - by Webmaster
Volume 2, issue 2 of our newsletter is published today and available to BSD Family History Society members for download from the website. This issue is 6 pages and is a 1.64MB PDF file.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Website Article - by Webmaster
A new article has just been added to the natural history section of our website. It's an article by Norrie Mulholland which first appeared in the Buteman describing the walk from Achavoulag Farm to the Scarrel Shore. Use the link below to go straight to the article.

The Walk from Achavoulaig to Scarrel

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Bute Migrant Directory - by Webmaster
The Bute Migrant Directory tells the stories of many of the people who left this island to make new lives in other parts of the world....it is quite fascinating to see how far they travelled. The book is the creation of Jim Miller (Hillhouse, as he is known in the forums), and is the product of years of painstaking research - it has indeed been a labour of love. Copies of the book can be purchased from the 'Services' page of the website.

Website Visitors

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The Bute Sons & Daughters Project is housed in the Bute Discovery Centre, the premier Tourist Information Centre for Argyll and Bute. Come along and have a chat with local people about your family history and heritage.

We would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of all the individuals involved in the development of this project as well as the much needed support from the following organisations.

AILLST

Telecom Service Centres

AIE