HUNDREDS of people came together in Rothesay for a colourful weekend of music, entertainment and community spirit as Bute Pride returned for 2026.
Around 300 people took part in this year’s Pride parade, before an estimated 500 people gathered at Bute Yard for an afternoon and evening of live music, comedy, drag, dancing and entertainment.
Organisers described the atmosphere throughout the celebrations as joyful, colourful and wonderfully inclusive, with crowds joining performers in singing and dancing along to well-known songs.
The entertainment programme featured performances from Tom Harlow, Charlotte Henry, Double Nugget, Kabatic Boom and Rainbow Ukes, while Ripper Moff took on MC duties and kept the programme moving throughout the event.
Four-legged islanders were also given their chance to take part, with the Bute Pride Dog Show proving another popular part of the weekend.
Younger visitors were catered for with a dedicated children’s space inside the tipi, providing somewhere for families to play, relax and take a break from the main celebrations.
The Pride weekend also extended well beyond the main parade and Bute Yard events, with businesses and organisations across Rothesay showing their support.
CalMac decorated its ferries for the occasion, while shops throughout the town created Pride-themed displays and the Pride flag was flown from Rothesay Castle.
Local businesses were encouraged to get creative with their displays, with Oxfam and Essence of Bute jointly taking the prize for Best Pride Weekend Shop Window.
Following the event, Bute Pride organisers thanked the volunteers who helped make the weekend possible, including the team of stewards, as well as performers, partners and those who attended.
Thanks were also extended to National Lottery Scotland for its support of this year’s event.
Organisers said: This was Pride made by the community, for the community.
Following the weekend’s celebrations, Bute Pride is also encouraging members of the island’s LGBTQ community to get involved with its regular events and meet-ups throughout the year.
More information about Bute Pride is available at ButePride.org, while anyone interested in the group’s regular activities can contact [email protected].
