A PLAN to enter Bute as a contender for a UK Town of Culture in 2028 has won the unanimous backing of councillors.
The proposal for the island to be part of Argyll and Bute’s expression of interest in the UK Government initiative was revealed last week.
The overall 2028 winner of the competition would receive £3 million of funding to support cultural activities in the area.
The full council unanimously agreed to the proposal to express interest at a meeting on Wednesday, February 25.
Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (SNP, Isle of Bute) said: “It will be no surprise that I absolutely welcome this initiative. The collaborative nature of it will be great.
“When these events come up, there is the opportunity to ensure the influence stretches beyond Bute into central Dunoon area. There are many cultural assets shared there and beyond into Argyll.”
Councillor Anne Horn (SNP, Kintyre and the Islands) said: “I am sure there are people who will not be surprised that I support this as my husband comes from Bute.
“I realise that when you have an initiative like this it benefits all of Argyll and Bute. It is not only one town or island, and we want to collaborate with culture.”
Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) added: “You will be unsurprised to know I support this. It would be a real boost to Rothesay and support cultural activities.”
Councillor Mark Irvine (Independent, Lomond North) also said: “Because I am an optimist, are there any restrictions on what the fund could be used for, should we win the competition?”
Fergus Murray, the council’s head of economic development, simply said: “Cultural activities.”
He then added: “We have not got the full list, but I can pass a briefing note on to all councillors. We had a very short turnaround and we will keep members informed as we go through.”
Council officials will now work with Rothesay Pavilion Charity Trust to develop the expression of interest. A shortlist is expected to be revealed during the springtime of 2026.
