Scalpsie Bay

Facing into the calm, deep waters of the Firth of Clyde, on the Isle of Bute is the lovely Scalpsie Bay. The red-tinged sands here are backed by fields and the gently rolling countryside of Bute giving the beach a calm, secluded feel.

Scalpsie Bay faces south and looks out towards the Isle of Arran a few miles across the Sound of Bute. 

The bay is well known for its seal colony which is home to around 200 grey seals. These can be spotted at the northwestern end of the beach where they often come out of the water to bask on the rocks.

Other sealife in the area include dolphins and porpoises along with baking sharks which are sometimes seen in the summer. Otters may also be spotted around the shore and in the burns.

During the Second World War the beach was viewed as a possible site for an enemy landing. One of the defences installed were anti-glider posts which you can see in the fourth photo.