For anyone interested…
Bluebird on Bute
Press Release
Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7 is about to take to the water once again, right here in Scotland.
It’s been over half a century since Donald Campbell became the only person to hold both the world
land and water speed records simultaneously, the latter set in his jet-engined hydroplane, Bluebird
K7, which crashed so tragically on Coniston Water on 4th January, 1967.
It has taken 17 painstaking years and a small army of dedicated volunteers to restore Bluebird to her
former glory and from 4th to 16th August, this iconic craft will be undertaking crew training at Loch
Fad on the Isle of Bute.
The Loch, usually better known for its outstanding trout and pike fishing waters, will see Bluebird’s
team work out how best to handle a craft which can reach speeds of up to 276 miles per hour.
Bill Smith, the project leader, has had a love of Bute since his fishing trips here as a teenager, but as
well as the breathtaking scenery and a laid-back welcoming community, Bute also has a proud
history of engineering design, well-fitting with the Bluebird project:
* Andrew Baird, the blacksmith who built a plane, undertook Scotland’s first heavier than air
flight on the island and would no doubt have nodded approvingly at the Bluebird team’s
efforts.
* Thomas Lipton, freeman of the Burgh of Rothesay regularly raced his famous Americas Cup
Shamrock yachts in the waters around the island – and boat building still continues today in
the highly successful Ardmaleish Yard on the island.
* Speed was also the key for ex-formula one driver Johnny Bute who has also long sponsored
visits of classically engineered fast cars to the island through events like the Mount Stuart
Motorsport Classic.
A proud part of Scotland’s Adventure Coast, Bute looks forward to welcoming the Bluebird team
for what promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Information
Background – everything you need to know about the Bluebird Project background can be found on
the Bluebird Website http://www.bluebirdproject.com
Key tourism website for Bute is http://www.visitbute.com/ and for the wider region
http://www.exploreargyll.co.uk/index.php
There will be no fixed day to day itinerary because the team have to approach and solve problems in
a methodical way but there will be regular day to day updates @bluebirdk7 and @visit_bute
You can also follow the action via hashtag #bluebirdonbute.
Key Dates
3rd August Arrive on Island | Arrival ceremony to include Rothesay Pipe Band and
local children.
4th – 10th August Training days on Loch Fad
11th August At Bute Highland Games | Bluebird will attend as a static display with
some of the team on hand to answer questions.
12th August At Mount Stuart House | Bluebird will be displayed on the lawn in front
of Mount Stuart with some of the team on hand to answer questions.
13th – 16th August Training Days on Loch Fad
17th August Leave Island
Other Events on Island during this time
3rd – 5th August Bute Noir Crime Writing Book Festival http://www.butenoir.co.uk
3rd – 5th August Bute Bikers Weekend
8th August Bute Agricultural Show | includes ‘Field to Fork’ local producers |
http://www.visitbute.com/2018-vb/event/ … ural-show/
11th August Bute Highland Games http://www.visitbute.com/2018-vb/direct … and-games/
12th August Isle of Bute Sailing Club Raft Race | Fun raft race in Rothesay Bay with a
member of the Bluebird team presenting prizes.
Parking and taxi drop off for Bluebird: From 6th – 10th August use Rothesay Joint Campus car
park. From car park entrance, exit campus on foot and take immediate right turn (past Bute
Produce) and walk uneven track for just over ¾ of a mile. Not suitable for vehicles.
Key Contacts
For Bluebird related information and media enquiries/opportunities: Bill Smith: 0191 2964295
For Isle of Bute related information and media enquiries/opportunities:
Visit Bute: Alison Cross – [email]Marketing@visitBute.com[/email]
Mount Stuart Trust: Ricky Harrison [email]ricky@mountstuart.com[/email]
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