Rothesay Pavilion restoration reaches £14m target

galleryPlans to bring the Grade A-listed Rothesay Pavilion back to its former glory can move ahead after the ambitious £14 million fundraising target was achieved for the restoration.

A £4.1m National Lottery grant, over £1m from the European Regional Development Fund and £750,000 from Historic Environment Scotland have put in place the funding needed to get work started.

Designed by Elder and Cannon Architects, the project will see the Pavilion transformed to provide:



  • A year-round programme of changing exhibitions in a purpose designed exhibition area. It is anticipated that the exhibitions will range from international artists to local history.
  • A shop selling local produce.
  • A café/restaurant selling local food and drink.
  • The revamped main hall which will accommodate a range of events including music, theatre, dance, sports, weddings and various community uses.


  • A second venue for smaller performances of music, comedy, family celebrations and community use.
  • A new top floor which will provide a meeting/function room with fantastic views over Rothesay Bay as well as three new offices. One office will be occupied by Rothesay Pavilion Charity, one will be used as a multi media studio and one will be available for rent.
  • A workhub in the former caretaker’s house at the rear of the site which will provide three independent offices for local businesses along with a shared meeting room and office resources.


  • stairsCouncillor Gary Mulvaney, depute leader of Argyll and Bute Council and policy lead for strategic finance and capital regeneration programme, said: “Argyll and Bute Council has invested and successfully attracted millions of pounds of funding to bring this much loved building back to life.

    “The fundraising target was ambitious – it had to be, to deliver a revitalised Pavilion that will be a key attraction for residents and visitors alike.

    “The Pavilion will be transformed into a hub for cultural and community use, bringing with it jobs and a new tourist attraction for Bute and the wider area.

    “Raising £14m is a fantastic achievement, which has been made possible by the hard work of council employees and our partner, the Rothesay Pavilion charity. Together they have promoted successfully to external funders, our vision of the Pavilion as a driver for economic growth and quality of life on Bute.



    “I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this extremely exciting stage in the transformation of Rothesay Pavilion.”

    The new facility is expected to employ over 30 people and attract over 70,000 visits per year.

    The contract to begin restoration work on the building is expected to be awarded later this autumn with a view to work starting before Christmas.

    End date for completion of the project is July 2019.



    Images provided courtesy of Elder and Cannon


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