Construction work to resume on island cultural venue and architectural gem

A CULTURAL venue, that is an acknowledged architectural gem, has been awarded funding, to allow restoration work to resume.

Hailed by its local authority, Argyll and Bute Council, as a “potential top ten visitor attraction” in Scotland, Rothesay Pavilion will see restoration resuming in May.

It follows a £6.1m investment from the local council, which says, here, in an announcement: “A multi-million-pound investment programme, by the council and funding partners, was mid-way through transforming the internationally-acclaimed building into an entertainment, events, business venue, and community hub, for local people and visitors to [the Isle of] Bute.

“This was halted by the impact of the Covid pandemic, the building contractor going into administration during lockdown, and competition and costs for construction resources increasing since then.”

Says the charity spearheading the building’s restoration, here: “This Grade A-listed building is an unique example of a style of architecture known as International Modernism”

The announcement continues: “This new investment means that the final two stages of restoring the Grade A-listed Pavilion, as a modern-day resource, could be completed by July 2025 – subject to additional funding being secured.”

Other funders include the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme 2014-2020, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The National Heritage Lottery Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund. 

Picture credit: Julie Tait