Tighnabruaich is one of the most beautiful villages on the West Coast of Scotland, often undiscovered by the tourist. Mainly yachts stumble by Tighnabruaich while cruising around the Kyles of Bute, or passengers of the PS Waverley, the last sea going paddle steamer, which lands at the Tighnabruaich pier.

The area has much to offer for those who like the outdoors, including sailing, canoeing, scuba diving, golf, cycling, angling and walking. (See Kyles Outdoor site below).

At night there is a good selection of hotels and restaurants in the area to suit most people's tastes. A good lively night can be had all year round or a quiet romantic candle-lit dinner!

There are also good sports facilities in Tighnabruaich, including a floodlit tennis court and 5-a-side football pitch. Shinty is the local game - some refer to shinty as hockey without rules! It does have rules and it is a great game to watch, although it appears to hurt the players at times.

Tighnabruaich has a special appeal in the winter. We always have good deals in the winter including beauty, art and shooting weekends, so please call us if you fancy a winter weekend.

Outdoor information on the area and a What's On guide to Tighnabruaich can be found at the Kyles Outdoor site. This covers sailing, canoeing, scuba diving, golf, cycling, angling and walking. See also our "Things to Do" page.

Communications

Cell Telephone coverage is excellent with the Vodafone network, others can get a signal in certain areas. If you wish to hire a Vodafone during your stay please contact us. There are call boxes in the village and on the outskirts too. If you require broadband internet our shop in Tighnabruaich is served with wireless internet and full office services including use of PC, call 01700 811464 for details.

Shops

The main grocery shops are Duncan's shop in Kames which is open 7 days too and is a really traditional friendly shop, you can get fantastic meat and good vegetables! And the Spar in Tighnabruaich centre, open 7 days and late most nights except Sunday, and Holidays Argyll's shop is located in the centre of the village, next door to the post office and Doctor Surgery. There is a smashing art shop for arty folk and appreciators of local art in the village, which is well worth a visit. The Sailing School shop has a dinghy sailing chandlery and clothing, usually some cool little model boats too.

In the village

In the village centre there are antiques, charity and gift shops too. There is another great little antique shop, Magpie's in Kames, behind the Kames Hotel! Irvine's is well worth a visit, just to take you back in time, if nothing else. Irvine's supply clothes to many of the islands in the West Coast of Scotland and beyond. We all get our carpets from them too - a truly wonderful shop.

Post Offices

There are 2 post offices, one in Tighnabruaich and one in Kames. They sell just about everything between them.

Banks

The Royal Bank of Scotland is the only bank, open just week days.

Cash machines

There is now a cash machine at the Kames Post Office. There is also a machine in the SPAR. It tends to be empty on very busy weekends but most of the hotels will give you cash back - make sure you have a wee dram though! Failing that, Dunoon (25 miles) has many cash machines.

Food and Drink

(If you would like to book at any of the below restaurants or need directions please call us on 01700 811464).

The Tighnabruaich Hotel is a great place for a quiet drink. They offer bar meals and some good beers. Located in the centre of Tighnabruaich with a terrace to sit out and enjoy the view, it makes an ideal location for a drink while visiting the shops. In the summer there are bands on many weekends.

The An Lochan offers local fish and game in a lovely setting, with views while you eat. The shellfish supplier is Arthur Keith who has the little red boat called "Sail Away", and the meat comes from Winston Churchill (not sure if he is related!). There is a restaurant called "Crustacean" and a bistro called "The Deck", and at the back of the hotel is the Shinty bar which is small and cosy. The views from the restaurant and bistro are outstanding, creating a most romantic setting.

The Kames Hotel has a reputation of serving excellent food using local produce – freshly caught fish and shellfish, as well as fine Scotch beef or wild venison. The hotel has an Edwardian restaurant that overlooks the water, or eat in one of its bars and enjoy thereal ales, good malts and local history with their extensive collection of Edwardian and Victorian photographs. 

The Bistro is a cafe by day and an excellent restaurant by night! It now has a table license. Joyce and David are exceptionally welcoming. Try the meringues! Book early! Food is served all day.

Suzy's tearoom is very popular with the bus and boat trips. Kids love it as they sell lots of souvenirs and chips! They do the usual cafe food etc.

Cranachan's, has a superb cafe, popular with the locals for a wee blether and a coffee. I recommend the steak sandwiches! Located in Tighnabruaich centre.

Kames Kabin in Kames is a small cafe, but worth a visit.Located in Kames

A bit further out for food is the Colintraive Hotel. It is set in a superb location and offers a fantastic menu and excellent quality. Recently refurbished by the owner Patricia to it's former glory, it's wonderful location and the food is excellent!

Kilfinan Hotel is very nice and in a great location. They have amazing steaks.

The Oyster Catcher, Otter Ferry - . The location is superb!

Inver Cottage Restaurant serves excellent food and if you are planning to go, give them a call to book first. The food is outstanding the prices are reasonable too!