Let me introduce myself as a new member of the group --- I am retired and live in a small town Princess Anne, Somerset Country, Maryland, USA. My ancestor Hugh McBride was factor to the Earl of Bute and Provost of Rothesay from about 1730 to 1760. I look forward to hearing from anyone interested in this McBride family or in the life and times on Bute during this period. Hugh was probably from Glasgow and acquired Baidland near Dalry in Ayrshire about 1715. I have visited Bute several times in recent years (most recently last month) and find the island beautiful and fascinating.