THE team leading the initiative to boost business and tourism across Bute has launched its bid for re-election as the island’s agency for change and development.
Members driving the Bute Business Improvement District (BID) say the coming weeks are pivotal to get efforts and paperwork completed in time to apply for the body’s renewal.
Scotland’s foremost proponent of the BID system believes the team in Bute has had a tremendous impact on the island, helping to drive growth and profile for business and community groups across its first term of operation.
Speaking to The Isle of Bute News, Phil Prentice said it is now key to secure the second term for the Bute BID.
His comments come as there is a renaissance on the island, with funded developments underpinning the revamp of the world-renowned Pavilion, and community focus on remodelling and securing the future of the iconic Winter Gardens.
Work has already started on refurbishing and securing a fresh use for the Royal Hotel right in the centre of Rothesay, he said. That multi-million-pound project alone will throw an instant fresh look on the town for visitors and residents alike.
When you get off the ferry today, that building is an eyesore, but it is now full of promise and determination to become a highly attractive sight and facility within, in reality, a very short time indeed.
Phil Prentice said the finances and the financial structure of the Bute BID are sound and pave the way for a positive second term.
We take nothing for granted. We exist to help businesses of whatever size and complexity. If someone needs help or assistance, they need only ask.
And if they have ideas on the direction of travel we should take, or to help us develop the tourism and events programming, I’d be delighted to hear from them.
He said there is a summer programme of events shaping up for the amphitheatre and a series of initiatives to help drive and encourage travel to and boost stopovers on the island.
But he doesn’t want to get lost in the notion of nostalgia or of trying to relive something that is no longer there.
There is plenty to do across Bute. There are water activities at Port Bannatyne. You can go trekking with alpacas. And of course there’s the cinema in Rothesay as well. All that and so much more to do.
Refurbishment at the Glenburn Hotel continues apace, and the management team there is looking ahead to linking up with key events later in the summer and the autumn as part of the drive to encourage greater footfall to the island.
The view from the BID group is clear: support existing business, help it to grow, and where there’s opportunity to nurture new business investment for Bute, get behind it.
We have had great feedback from business and community groups over the past few months.
There is something of a bounce on Bute at the moment. There’s perhaps never been a better time to boost our island economy and have a bit of fun along the way as well, he said.
The lead team at the BID is continuing to call on its members and others to feed thoughts in their direction to help continue growth and development.
The application for renewal has to be with Argyll and Bute Council by the end of April, with a view to going forward for elections to the body in late summer.
