OCH LA LA! Preparations are getting under way to celebrate next year’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France with a series of events in Bute.
Cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and the simply curious are being invited to come together to help shape the island’s role in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
It’s the brainchild of the team at Rothesay Pavilion, itself due to see a grand departure of the builders as it prepares to open again to the public in 2027.
The send-off for the Tour de France is coming to Scotland next July with the Grand Départ from Edinburgh for the first time in its history. The Pavilion team believes there is a real opportunity for Bute to be part of the story. With global attention on Scotland, they say now is the time to explore how the island can get prepared and involved.
Bute already has a strong cycling scene and this international race offers the potential to attract visitors, grow local events and support health and wellbeing across the community.
Funding opportunities are also beginning to emerge, making this a timely moment to generate ideas and develop proposals.
At the heart of the potential programme is Rothesay Pavilion, reopening next year as a space where people meet, make, work and play. It also has the potential to act as a hub for cycling, culture and community activities.
To kick things off, the community is invited to an open ideas session.
The informal session will share plans linking Bute to Tour de France legacy funding and wider national cycling initiatives while, importantly, creating space to hear ideas from across the community.
Possibilities are almost endless and could include races, hill climbs and triathlons; family rides; creative projects; and health and wellbeing activities. There is also potential for a wider cycling fringe around the Tour, with the Pavilion hosting screenings, talks and events.
A spokesman (no pun intended) said: You don’t need to be a cyclist to take part. Organisers, volunteers, creative folk, businesses and young people are all encouraged to come along to share an idea or simply listen in.
First Minister John Swinney said: I am delighted Scotland will host the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France and can assure the world’s greatest cyclists of a warm Scottish welcome.
The stage through Scotland will offer a challenging race and beautiful scenery for all to enjoy.
The afternoon workshop to discuss possibilities for Bute will be held at the Bank of Ideas, 17 High Street, Rothesay, from 2–3pm on Sunday, April 19.
