Once the site where cattle were swum across the narrows to the Isle of Bute, the MV Loch Dunvegan — a ferry operated by Caledonian MacBrayne — now provides a link to the island.

The name Col-Glen is also used by the local development trust, which was set up to combat the declining population and economy in the two villages.

[8] For over 60 years, until the late 1990s, Caol Ruadh, one of Colintraive's Victorian mansions set in a 20-acre estate, was used as a residential school for children from Glasgow with special educational needs.

A ferry crosses the 450 yards (410 m) gap[13] to Rhubodach on Bute, giving access to the tourist town of Rothesay.

The Colintraive & Glendaruel Community Council consists of six members, and meets every third Monday of the month (except July and December).