5 Reasons to Relocate to Argyll and Bute

From meandering rivers and canals to cathedral cities, with ancient colleges and national treasures, the United Kingdom is a place that delights at every turn. With so many beautiful locations to choose to live in, why should you move to Argyll and Bute? Below are our top 5 reasons to relocate to argyll and bute.

Where is Argyll & Bute?

Argyll & Bute is in the West of Scotland and has 23 inhabited islands including the Isle of Bute and the Inner Hebrides and includes the towns of:

• Oban
• Campbeltown
• Inveraray
• Helensburgh
• Rothesay
• Lochgilphead
• Tobermory 
• Dunoon

It stretches from the Isles of Coll and Tiree all the way down the mainland to Campbeltown.

5 reasons to relocate to Argyll & Bute

1. Outstanding nature

The region has seven national nature reserves, many parks and gardens, and wonderful wildlife, including red deer, puffins, seals, and golden eagles. Visit Scotland describes Argyll & Bute as “the ideal area to escape amid awe-inspiring landscapes,” and its beauty is guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Studies have shown that regular exposure to nature can help improve sleep patterns, reduce anxiety, and even improve cognitive function in the elderly; spending time in nature helps people feel healthier and happier. 

2. Scottish History

The history of Argyll & Bute is evident across its stunning landscape. The past has left archaeological remains with dramatic evidence of more recent occupation, all set amidst sea lochs and mountains. “Argyll has its significant place in Scotland's story. Kilmartin Valley in Mid Argyll comprises Scotland's richest prehistoric landscape with a concentration of cairns, standing stones and other impressive remains which have dotted the landscape from around 3000 B.C.”  With these historical landmarks, areas, monuments, and castles that are easily accessible to the public this incredible part of Scotland has so much to offer anyone interested in Scottish history.

Studies suggest that keeping the brain active as we age is important. Learning new skills or learning about new subjects is a great way to keep the mind sharp. Continued learning can improve memory by maintaining brain cells and ensuring those cells properly communicate. What better way to keep the mind active, than by delving deep into Scottish history and learning about the fascinating and complex stories it has to tell.

3. Scottish Culture

Scotland's culture can be traced back to almost a thousand years ago, thriving just as much today as it has ever had. Starting from the ancient clans of the 12th century, each generation has added their own cultural thumbprint, creating the vibrant country it’s so famously known for. Scotland's history defines its modern culture and is at the roots of so many Scottish traditions, from celebrations to myths, art, literature, and of course, national pride. 

For those who love to indulge in Scottish culture and embrace the highland way of life, Argyll & Bute is an ideal location to live. Life in Argyll & Bute has so much to offer those who desire to soak up and live a life filled with Scottish culture. The region offers a breathtaking Scottish landscape, with traditional restaurants at every turn and the town of Oban even being famous for seafood and Scottish whiskey. Embracing a culture allows residents to feel part of a community, a safe environment where views, values, humour, hopes and loyalties are shared and understood. A community extends beyond friendships and leaks into all areas of life; staff, residents, and friends and family of a care home will feel connected and help build and strengthen relationships.

4. High Quality of Life

Unsurprisingly, Scotland is ranked high when it comes to being voted as a friendly and peaceful place to live. The Isle of Bute has also recently been named by The Scotsman as the best place to live in Scotland, specifically for its commutability, adventurousness and lively neighbourhoods. 

Beautiful landscape with breathtaking views paired with incredibly welcoming and friendly people, is the perfect combination to aid living a calming yet vibrant life. Living in a care home in Scotland will undeniably be underpinned by calmness and vast amounts of nature, offering a peaceful way of life.

5. Accessibility

As stated above, the area of Argyll & Bute is great for commutability and despite the remote feeling that Argyll & Bute beautifully offers, this region is surprisingly easy to get to. 

Visit Scotland states that “Glasgow Airport is the closest airport for this region. You can fly from there to Campbeltown, Tiree and Islay or head into Glasgow city centre (about 20 minutes away) and travel to the region by bus or train.”

The ferry is also available from the following ports:

• Gourock (near Glasgow) - Dunoon
• Wemyss Bay (near Glasgow) - Isle of Bute
• Isle of Arran - Claonaig

Witha variety of transport links right on the doorstep, the area of Argyll & Bute is easily accessible and perfect for exploring further afield.

Is Argyll & Bute a nice place to live?

According to the Royal Bank of Scotland Quality of life survey, Argyll & Bute is in the top 5 places to live in Scotland. With its natural beauty, mountains, sea lochs, 23 inhabited islands, six main towns and more than 3,000 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why. Residing in a care home in Argyll & Bute brings a life full of beauty, endless wondering and a new natural discovery every day. 

Getting There

Argyll & Bute can be accessed via plane, with airports in several areas including Oban, Islay, and Campbelltown. Alternatively, those wishing to explore the islands can catch a ferry to one of the many ports. Travel within the area can be via train, bus, or car, with the A83 and the A816 providing useful routes.

Perthshire is approximately 60 miles from Argyll & Bute.

Dunbartonshire is approximately 30 miles from Argyll & Bute.

Renfrewshire is approximately 20 miles from Argyll & Bute.

Ayrshire is approximately 70 miles from Argyll & Bute.

Inverness-shire is approximately 100+ miles from Argyll & Bute.

Etive House and the Argyll & Bute Area

Etive House Care Home in Argyll & Bute really does pride itself on its location. Of course, our expert teams of medical and care professionals, as well as our vast array of residents make our home the beautiful place it is today. However, the exact location of Etive House Care Home is certainly something to boast about. 

Residents of Etive House are surrounded by glorious views that are synonymous with the west coast of Scotland. Breathtaking eagles and elegant deer can frequently be seen from the front of our house, which is overlooked by the impressive Beinn Lora Hill. Our home is located close to Oban, which is one of the largest towns within the Benderloch area.

Our care home in Oban demonstrates a brilliant balance between embracing the tranquillity of nature and revelling in the excitement of a bustling town. Our priority is ensuring each and every one of our residents get to experience life the way in which they want to, and being situated in the Benderloch area allows them to do just that.

If you’d like to find out more about life in Oban and the Argyll & Bute Area, we welcome you to get in touch with our friendly team.