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Rothesay Pavilion 45 Argyle Street Rothesay Isle of Bute PA20 0AU Tel:01700 504250

On the 17th October 1935, Rothesay Town Council decided to launch an architectural competition to find the most suitable design for its proposed Pavilion complex. The expenditure limit for the building was set at £30,000 and the competition prize at £200. Twenty six plans were submitted, and the winning submission was selected on the 10th February 1936. The winning design was submitted by J. & J.A. Carrick.

By the time detailed schedules were brought together in October 1936, the estimated cost of construction had risen to £38,744, and when the building was completed the cost had risen to twice the original estimate.

The Pavilion was opened at 3:00pm on Friday, 1st July 1938, by the Earl of Dumfries. Also present at the opening ceremony were Lord and Lady Robert Crichton-Stuart, Lord Colum Crichton-Stuart, Provost & Mrs J.S. McMillan, Sheriff & Mrs N.A. MacLean, Mr R.D. Whyte, Town Clerk, and Baillie P. Finlay.

The initial use of the Pavilion was principally for 'Big Band' Dancing, especially during the Second World War and immediately after when Rothesay was a busy naval base. It has been used for a wide range of events: ceilidhs, variety shows, dances, film shows, indoor sports, club meetings, exhibitions and conferences.

Throughout its history, the Pavilion has attracted Scotland's top entertainers, including Tommy Morgan, Dave Willis, Will Fyfe, Jack Radcliffe, Jimmy Logan, Johnny Beattie, Jack Milroy and Mary Lee, and Alastair MacDonald.

In 1991, in the exam paper for Higher Art & Design, there was a question (and photographs) about the Rothesay Pavilion. The question was in the 'Architecture' section, and was worth 40 marks. It read as follows...

Illustration (v) is a typical 1930s seaside resort recreation and entertainment pavilion, providing sea views, fresh air and shelter from the wind and rain. The building contains a café and a ballroom with a stage which can be used as a theatre or sports area. What features of the architecture appear to relate to these purposes? Comment on the overall success of the design.

In 1988, The Pavilion was listed as a Category 'B' Listed Building, but was raised to 'A' category in 2005 in recognition of its importance. See the Pavilion page at Historic Scotland. The Pavilion is owned and operated by Argyll & Bute Council, and is available for hire. It has been in continuous use and offers spacious and flexible accomodation for a wide range of events and performances.

The photographs below were all taken in 2001.

Entrance Entrance Hall Stairway to Main Floor Main Floor Main Hall Main Hall Main Hall from Stage Stage from Projection Room The Cafeteria Servery Veranda Veranda Projection Room Car Park from Roof Dressing Room McKinley Street Hall Rifle Range Lesser Hall Lesser Hall Foyer Cloakroom Ticket Office Ticket Office Wall Ticket Office D. McCombe, Manager