Its natural resources and proximity to the west coast of Scotland means Bute has long been known as the Jewel on the Clyde. In the 18th century, wealthy visitors would flock to the island to benefit from its natural spring hydros, sanatoriums and spas, while those from the tenements of Glasgow would take the boat "doon the watter" from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay to enjoy the therapeutic effect of dipping a toe in the ice-cold sea.

Since then, the island's town, Rothesay, has suffered from a reputation for being down at heel. Now it has been claimed that Bute has the potential to be designated as Britain's first "blue space" because of its healing properties. According to research presented to the Royal Geographic Society's annual conference in Edinburgh yesterday, Bute is a "healing island". "It's time we started thinking of blue spaces – defined by blue sea and sky and fresh air – which have a therapeutic effect," said Dr Ronan Foley of the National University of Ireland. Leo Plaster, of Visit Bute tourist agency, said: "I'd be delighted to see Bute restored to a spa island, because it would be fantastic for tourism."