WORK is getting underway on essential structural repairs to the roof of the Winter Garden in Rothesay.
The job, funded by VisitScotland, is expected to last around ten weeks and will be carried out by contractors WH Kirkwood. The work begins on Monday, September 21.
The cinema will be open as usual during the repair work and the Winter Garden operators said events taking place in the Dome should not be affected.
A representative from VisitScotland said: “VisitScotland is pleased to be able to support the Bute Community Land Company with repairs to the roof of the Winter Garden. The building is an iconic landmark for both residents and visitors, and we hope the works will help secure its future for many years to come.”
The Steering Group Lead at the Winter Garden, Dorothy McDonald, said people should not be alarmed by the sight of scaffolding around the building next week.
“We’re still open for business. All the work being done is external and shouldn’t affect anything we’re planning inside,” she noted.
This Saturday, the Winter Garden is part of the nationwide Doors Open Day coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust.
There will be vintage films of bygone Rothesay in the cinema and local historian John MacCallum will be giving an illustrated talk called From Shipyards to Jesters: Rothesay Promenade from 1870 to 1970.
The doors will open at 9am and the talk will begin in the cinema at 11am for around 45 minutes.
There will be children’s activities organised by Achievement Bute and the Winter Garden team throughout the day.
Later in the day, Bute Ceilidh Band is reuniting to present a celebration, One for the Road, to support the Winter Garden.
The band has a message for the big night out: “Whether you are a new or experienced dancer, come and fill the dance floor and help us create a rousing atmosphere with Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeants and Strip the Willows.”
- Doors Open Day at the Winter Garden runs from 9am-4pm. Entry is free.
- Tickets for the Ceilidh cost £12 (over 18s only) and are available for cash only from Print Point and the Winter Garden Cinema. All proceeds go to the Winter Garden.
