ALL that Bute can be will be presented to the Danish team gearing up to visit the island at the end of August.
The Isle of Bute is one of two regions being considered for a key international People’s Meeting. Argyll and Bute Council said it is an honour to be shortlisted.
Bute is facing competition from Perth and Kinross Council to host the Scandinavian-style gathering next year. There is potential for the meeting to be focused on the newly refurbished Pavilion, with additional capacity across Rothesay.
Council chief executive Pippa Milne said: “If successful, it would be proposed to be an annual event and see it grow, which is what has happened in Denmark. It started relatively small and grew fairly quickly.
“There are two councils in the running, ourselves and Perth and Kinross. It is not ruled out to move between the two, but there were mixed views (on that) when we talked to the organisers.
“It would add to the logistics and having it in a single location would be beneficial for the island. I do not rule out the possibility they could come back and say it should be shared.”
An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: “Representatives from the group aiming to set up a Scottish Folkemødet will visit Bute towards the end of August as part of the selection process to become a host of the Scottish Festival of Democracy.
“This is a competitive process, and it is an honour to be shortlisted.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to highlight all the things that Bute has to offer: venues, accommodation, transport, access to Central Scotland and spectacular views.
“We very much look forward to introducing our visitors to key local stakeholders and community organisations so they get a feel for the vibrant community life on Bute, the range of events and festivals it already welcomes and the ambition of its business economy.”
The gathering has grown substantially from small beginnings in Sweden to become a key annual meeting to exchange ideas, thoughts and craft strategies at its base in the village of Allinge on the Danish island of Bornholm.
It is most often described as a political folk festival and attracts politicians from a range of levels across Northern Europe to join discussions with regular citizens.
Hosting the Folkemødet next year would give opportunities to businesses and charities to take part and to showcase what they do. It is also being seen as a useful curtain-raiser to the UK Town of Culture programme, should Bute secure that award from the UK Government for 2028.
