I have heard so many good things about the Isle of Bute Triathlon. My Glasgow Triathlon pals have often made the trip to this west coast Scottish island to take part in the sprint event and after a year off, the Isle of Bute Triathlon is back for 2013. Taking place on May 12, competitors old, new, experienced or novice and being encouraged to enter.

The good news (for many of us nervous open water types) is that the swim is in the Rothesay Leisure Pool.

*  The Sprint Triathlon is a 750m swim/20km road cycle/5km run

* The Novice Triathlon is a 400m swim/12km road cycle road/3km run.

Friends talk about the plus-points of the Bute triathlon: Brilliant scenery, a great course, a pool swim, fantastic atmosphere. So far, the above is all I know. The Isle of Bute Triathlon 2013 organisers, www.butewheelers.org.uk, promise more info on the website asap. So keep an eye on their site, or set up a Google alert. I’ll keep you posted on Facebook, too.

If you’re looking for a place to stay let me suggest Morningside Holiday Flats located on the Serpentine hill in Rothesay. There are four self-catering flats that are well kitted out for a weekend + triathlon break.