BUTE has missed out in its bid to host a Scottish version of the People’s Meeting Festival as organisers selected Perth.
Argyll and Bute Council members and officials had worked on a bid to stage the event, which originated on the island of Bornholm in Denmark.
Council leader Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) was involved in a visit by organisers to Bute last month, but it has now been announced that Perth will host the festival.
The details feature in Councillor Lynch’s report which will go before the full council at its meeting on Wednesday, September 23.
Councillor Lynch said: “I joined officers and local members on Bute to accompany a delegation from the organisers of the People’s Democracy Festival, who had travelled from Denmark to scope out shortlisted potential locations for a Scottish festival.
“We spent a lot of time with the delegation highlighting what Bute has to offer as a festival venue and our discussions were constructive and positive.
“On September 9, we heard that organisers had made the difficult decision to hold the festival in Perth, the other shortlisted site.
“It is of course disappointing that Bute was not selected, especially after such a positive visit and the efforts made by all involved to showcase what an incredible festival could take place on the island.
“However, I believe we should be proud to have made the shortlist with Perth which is known for hosting large-scale conferences and events.
“The visit did offer a great opportunity to show off the beauty and advantages of Bute as a destination and the organisers’ recognition of its potential is very welcome.
“They have indicated that they are happy to explore other ways in which Bute can be promoted as a destination for similar events and this is an offer we will be following up.”
It is now planned to hold the initial Scottish People’s Meeting in May 2027.
