Nicola Jones is an award-winning multimedia artist based on the Isle of Bute.
Her colourful, stylised work draws inspiration from island life — its landmarks, landscapes, people, humour and character.
With a background in multimedia, Nicola's creative work has developed across traditional and digital art, design, products, storytelling and technology. Alongside her own creative practice and businesses, she has also spent many years involved in community projects and initiatives supporting creativity and young people on Bute.
Bute Gifts brings much of that work together, transforming original artwork into things people can hang on their walls, wear, carry, use and give to others.
And after more than 25 years, there are still plenty of new ideas to come.
Hello from the Isle of Bute
Bute Gifts — original island art, gifts and designs since 2000.
Bute Gifts began life in 2000 at the original Studio Shop in Guildford Square, Rothesay, creating and selling artwork and gifts inspired by the Isle of Bute.
More than 25 years later, Bute is still at the heart of everything we create.
Today, you'll find Bute Gifts at our studio and shop at 25 Mill Street, Rothesay, where original artwork is transformed into colourful art prints, gifts, bags, clothing, homeware and other designs celebrating our wee island.
Some things have changed considerably since that first Studio Shop opened its doors.
The inspiration hasn't.
It’s still Bute. 💙
The Isle of Bute
It's just doon the watter.
The Isle of Bute sits in the Firth of Clyde on Scotland's west coast and is one of Scotland's most accessible islands.
A short ferry journey from Wemyss Bay brings you into Rothesay, the island's main town, with its Victorian seafront, castle and distinctive island character.
Beyond Rothesay, Bute changes at almost every turn.
There are sandy beaches, rolling countryside, woodland walks, rugged northern landscapes, small villages, bays and some wonderful examples of architecture and island heritage.
It's a place for walking, cycling, exploring, wildlife watching — or simply finding somewhere beautiful and doing absolutely nothing for a while.
Bute's landmarks and landscapes have provided the inspiration for Bute Gifts since the very beginning. You'll find familiar places appearing throughout the artwork, from Rothesay and Port Bannatyne to the Pavilion, beaches, signs, ferries and other little pieces of island life.
For those who live here, they're familiar sights.
For those who have moved away, they can be memories of home.
And for visitors, they're often reminders of a very good trip doon the watter.
A Wee Bit of Bute
We create Bute Gifts for people who love the island.
For the people who live here.
For those who come back every year.
For the people who once called Bute home.
And for those who arrived on the ferry for the first time and somehow became rather attached to the place.
Our aim is simple — to create colourful, original artwork and gifts that capture a little of the character of this wonderful Scottish island.
Designed on Bute. Made to travel.
Bright. Colourful. Unmistakably Bute.
And wherever you are in the world...
The Isle of Bute — it's just doon the watter. 🌊⛴️