The Prince’s Regeneration Trust onboard to help plan the future for heritage Scottish Pavilion

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust has been commissioned by Argyll and Bute Council to help identify and develop a package of sustainable uses for the Rothesay Pavilion, a building owned by the Council and one that is much loved by locals and visitors alike. The Trust seeks to preserve buildings, monuments, structures or sites in the United Kingdom of particular beauty, or historical and architectural interest.

The A listed building is one of the most important landmarks on the Isle of Bute, and is a particularly significant building for Scotland. As an immediately recognisable structure, the Pavilion stands as a symbol of Rothesay and is a source of community pride. It continues to be used by over 40 community groups, for the annual jazz festival and for weddings but the condition of the building is deteriorating and is in need of significant repair.

One of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s first tasks will be to work with the Council, who recognise the importance of the building and the need to secure its refurbishment, to organise a Planning Day. This will provide an opportunity for the key stakeholders to brainstorm the building’s future, and for a variety of uses to be explored and tested with expert input to find a way forward for the building as a viable and self-sustaining facility.

Councillor Len Scoullar, who is chair of the Project Board which is taking this forward with The Princes Regeneration Trust and the consultants, is enthusiastic about this magnificent building’s future and seeks to ensure that it is restored to its former glory.

He said: “Without doubt the Rothesay Pavilion is Argyll and Bute Council’s most important heritage asset. It was given to us by a previous generation and we must make sure that future generations can continue to enjoy it.”

Maria Perks, Projects Adviser for The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in Glasgow said, “The Trust is delighted to be adding the Pavilion to its Scottish portfolio. It is a building that has held a uniquely special place in the hearts and minds of many people on Bute and far beyond. We look forward to working with the Council to ensure it once more becomes the jewel in Rothesay’s crown”.

Posted 3rd September 2008