Geograph - photograph every grid square

Bute was a major Naval base during WWII. Between 1942 and 1945 the Kyles Hydropathic hotel was requisitioned as HMS Varbel and used as the HQ of the 12th Submarine Flotilla (X-Craft midget submarines). They operated in Norway, Italy and the Far East. Between them they won four Victoria Cross medals, 65 prestigious medals and were mentioned in dispatches more than 100 times.

The well maintained memorial garden beside the boatyard on the main road in Port Bannatyne was opened in 2005 by John Lorimer DSO. It honours the crew members of HMS Varbel and the midget subs who lost their lives in active service.

The submarines mentioned on a metal plaque in the garden are X5, X6, X7, X9, X22, X24, XE3, XE5, XE6 and XE11.

There is a wire formed floral arrangement in the shape of a midget submarine and a large framed photograph of HMS Varbel in the garden.

What appears to be an old bomb or shell case is used to collect donations for the upkeep of the garden.