Lottery cash boost for Rothesay Pavilion project

Grade-A listed Rothesay Pavilion was built in the 1930s

A project which aims to preserve one of Scotland's most significant surviving Art Deco buildings has edged closer to obtaining £2.7m of lottery funding.

Argyll and Bute Council and the Prince's Regeneration Trust are leading efforts to repair and restore Grade-A listed Rothesay Pavilion.

The building, on the Isle of Bute, dates back to the 1930s.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has now given "an endorsement of outline proposals" to save the pavilion.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "This wonderful 1930's Pavilion is evocative of Rothesay's heyday as a thriving tourist resort.

'Cultural venue'

"Its resurgence as a cultural venue for the community would not only save an important piece of the Bute's heritage but would have a positive impact on the regeneration of the town as a whole.

"We are delighted to give its support at this stage and we look forward to seeing how the plans develop."

Rothesay Pavilion sits at the end of the town's Victorian Esplanade, with views of Rothesay Bay, and across to the Cowal Peninsula, and the Renfrewshire and Ayrshire coasts.

It was built in the era of the "Big Band Sound", and was designed to host dancing and conference events as well as flower shows, weddings and sports activities.