Rothesay Pavilion reopens in 2027. After years of restoration, fundraising and holding the line, the building is on the home straight. The glazed canopy is restored. New, flexible spaces have been added, the sprung floor is back. The opening programme is being built. And we have just submitted Bute’s bid to make the Isle of Bute UK Town of Culture 2028.
This is not the moment to consolidate. It is the moment to accelerate.
Rothesay Pavilion is a landmark of modernist design – built in 1938 on the conviction that culture, beauty and joy belong to everyone, not just the privileged few. It is not a heritage project looking for custodians. It is a community wealth builder: creating local employment and skills pathways, working with island producers and suppliers, generating visitor spend that stays on Bute, and making the case that bold cultural ambition and genuine economic purpose belong together.
The Pavilion’s arc is world-wide. Its constituents range from young islanders finding their creative inspiration to high-profile artists and performers, from visitors arriving by ferry to VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and the tourism businesses that depend on Bute thriving year-round. Its Board brings together local community commitment with national expertise across culture, tourism, heritage and business, and is looking for a Chair who can lead it with energy, judgement and authority through one of the most significant moments in the Pavilion’s history.
You will have led complex organisations through pivotal moments. You will know how to build consensus, support a chief executive, and represent an ambitious project credibly to funders, partners and the public. You will be comfortable with a wide constituency, from community volunteers to government agencies, from local businesses to international visitors.
You do not need to live on Bute. You do need to believe in what this island can become when it backs itself.
If that is you, or if you know who it is – we would love to hear from you. You can apply formally, nominate someone here or simply have an informal conversation to find out more. Get in touch with Julie Tait, Chief Executive, at julie@rothesaypavilion.co.uk
