CAMPAIGNING by a group of Bute volunteers has succeeded in securing funding of £120,500 to save the historic and much-treasured Winter Gardens in Rothesay.
The group will use the funding from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) to purchase the property and take it forward as a cinema and events space.
Richard Whitcomb, chair of the Bute Community Land Company (BCLC), said members of the group were absolutely thrilled to receive the grant.
He told The Isle of Bute News: “It will not only enable us to secure the future of this much-loved building and the island’s only cinema, but will, we hope, act as a catalyst for creative and exciting events and activities which will benefit the people who live on Bute and its visitors for many years to come.”
Mr Whitcomb added: “The Scottish Land Fund grant is a massive step forward – and we are grateful to the community, the Scottish Land Fund and the vendor, VisitScotland, for supporting this extremely important project.”
The 100-year-old domed building was feared to be doomed, but the community has rallied round to ensure it continues at the heart of Rothesay life.
Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto is a long-term supporter of the Winter Gardens and the efforts of the BCLC and the wider community to save it from falling into disuse and decay.
She told The Isle of Bute News: “The Winter Gardens is such an iconic and historic building and a key landmark for Rothesay, and so I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government are supporting the community who have done brilliantly to find a positive solution.
“I know this investment through the Land Fund will be warmly welcomed locally and I look forward to seeing the project commence.”
Funded by the Scottish Government, the SLF is delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “I know this investment will make a real difference.”
The Winter Gardens is one of a number of projects being supported right across Scotland in this latest round of funding from the SLF. The Minister noted: “These latest projects show the incredible variety in the way community ownership can enhance an area, by preserving much-loved land or buildings or maintaining vital services.”
Business leaders across Bute are welcoming the award as it signals further investment on the island and enables the possibilities for future growth and employment.
Four full-time posts will be created with the takeover of the building and there will be substantial opportunities to become a volunteer at the Winter Gardens.
The complex originally opened in 1924. It was built to enclose a pre-existing open-air bandstand and was used as a variety theatre and music hall. The building was restored in the 1990s.
