Transcript:
Fergus Murray: It’s such an iconic building, it deserves a future. We feel once the building is restored, it will be a central feature of community life once again.
Julie Tait: This is Rothesay Pavilion. It’s a fantastic example of international modernism, style of architecture. Built in 1938, you’ll see incredible Bauhaus influences and a touch of art deco. It’s truly gobsmacking.
Fergus Murray: There’s many, many memories associated with this building. But we also want to add to that in an attempt to bring visitors to the island once again, to offer different kind of experiences. Skills training, for example, STEM education, creative education,digital education.
Liz McCabe: Rothesay has been left with not very much lately, this building can bring so much more to the island for the locals and visitors alike. I mean, we don’t want to leave it to go to ruin. I mean, so many good things can be done here, as was before. And there will be a lot of money to be made when it’s done properly.
John Ross: It was really iconic. There was dances there was five-a-side football – it was the beating heart of the community. I think it would be a great asset to Bute, to Rothesay and people from far and wide to get this place back up and running and a venue again.
Liz McCabe: Well, this is some of the old photographs, original photographs. This one here is from 1953, June 53. You can see this is the original staircase. This here is the big hall, the main hall. Imagine now look at all the chairs there. Have them all filled, have something on the stage – it would be absolutely fantastic, you know. We’re crying out for something like this, there’s nowhere in Bute, nowhere that we can have this.
Julie Tait: We’ve got a fantastic project team here, with a wealth of experience delivering buildings of this scale. It takes a lot of skill to renovate a building of this architectural heritage. We’re committed to get this over the line because we recognise that this is absolutely something special.
John Ross: We’re working with the local nurseries and local schools, and actively employing people from Bute. We are trying to bring something to Rothesay as well as give them a fantastic product and service. It’s a beautiful place. The scenery is fantastic. People are friendly. They really do deserve this facility.
Fergus Murray: We honestly believe this will make a fundamental difference to the future of Bute. And the other thing about it is the building shouldn’t just be considered on its own as part of the regeneration of this island. And if we all come together, we can really sell this place as a place to visit. And also, probably even more importantly, a great place to live.