Isle of Bute, Port Royal Hotel and Russian Tavern

The West of Scotland provides excellent sailing in fantastic scenery. But it has to be said that Scots' expectations at table is not very high: fast food is just normal food, and an overcooked steak with chips simply the best. But this simply will not do for most visitors from Europe, and time and again in marinas and stopovers the conversation was "where can we have some edible food...preferably good food with green stuff and real bread"!

Well at Port Bannatyne there's a Russian lady producing fine food every bit as good as in Brussels, and at a really good price.

The Russian Tavern is a great base for yachts, ensuring good food, a shower or a room at the right price. We met many similar minded sailors there, from Scandinavia, France, Italy, Netherlands and we all agreed.

It's half an hour sailing on the ferry from Wemyss Bay at the mouth of the River Clyde over to the Isle of Bute. We went by budget airline into Glasgow Prestwick Airport and took a twice an hour bus direct to the ferry at Wemyss Bay. Great cruise across, staggering views. We toured the island on bikes that we hired, down little country lanes and along wild beaches full of seals. We went horse-riding, hired a boat and caught trout. We took the hikers' trail down the spine of the island, a 15 mile trek. The evenings were spent in The Russian Tavern relaxing, chatting and having some of the best seafood I've ever had, landed just outside the restaurant. Real Ales were poured direct from the barrel.

Big Russian breakfasts too and all very economical, particularly for Scotland, which is not a cheap option. All very enjoyable, take my tip and go stay at the Port Royal Hotel!