Rhubodach is a small settlement on the north-eastern shore of the Isle of Bute, Scotland.
The name Rhubodach may come from the Gaelic Rubha a’ Bhodaich which translates as old man's point or promontory or alternatively may be from An Rubha Bhódaich meaning the Bute headland.[1]
Rhubodach lies at the north of Bute at the termination of the A886 road. From here a small ro-ro ferry sails the short distance over the Kyles of Bute to Colintraive in Argyll. The route, operated by Calmac, is reputed to be one of the shortest in Scotland still in operation. The issue of whether the ferry should be replaced by a bridge is one which reappears in various discussions about Bute's economy, however opposition stems from the resulting loss of Bute's "island status".[2]
The film actor and director Lord Attenborough owns Rhubodach estate,[3] which includes a forest on almost 2,000 acres (8.1 km2), however in August 2009 it was put up for sale. A referendum carried out on 12th February 2010 showed 93% support on Bute for a plan to buy the land for the community.[4]