Designated a National Scenic Area, the Kyles of Bute are a much photographed sea channel between the northern end of the Isle of Bute from the Cowal peninsula, part of the Scottish mainland. The Kyles which derive their name from the Gaelic ‘caol’ meaning narrow are just 300 metres across at their narrowest point. There are two kyles, the eastern kyle stretches from Rothesay Bay up to Loch Riddon (pictured), while the western kyle passes the pretty village of Tighnabruaich.