Maids of Bute
Passing through the narrow passage way that flows between the Isle of Bute and the Burnt Isles many times on childhood boating holidays, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the roughly painted, distinctively shaped, stones on the hillside of Bute. For me they marked the turn from the Clyde and ‘home’ port of Greenock towards the wildness and adventure of the Scottish West Coast. I didn’t know why they were there, but I did know I liked them. Now I live and work, a short boat trip from their friendly presence.
They were originally painted by a paddle boat deckhand who was sent ashore by his skipper with old pots of paint and a brush. The skipper had, for years, been pointing out the ‘maid’ shaped rocks to his passengers and wanted them to appear more obvious.
Like all ‘land art’ the Maids took on a life of their own. No one knows who freshens their peeling paint now. This only adds to their appeal.
The Drey Workshop ‘Bute Maids’ are homely figures who are well rooted amongst plants and birds. Every jar is unique, the maids remain as mysterious as ever.
