Work to restore Rothesay Pavilion is to go ahead after a funding target for the project was reached.

On Monday (2 February), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed it was providing £3.3m to the project, taking the overall funding to £8m.

The monies will help to transform the Grade-A historic structure into a cultural centre and visitor attraction on the town's seafront.

Over the years, the condition of the pavilion has deteriorated, but more than 40 local community groups continued to use the venue for meetings or activities. Under the refurbishment project, the venue will be transformed and include a new multi-purpose roof top space; while the main auditorium will be upgraded and a second performance venue created as a dedicated space for young people. In addition, temporary and permanent display galleries will accommodate for a changing programme of exhibitions, while a bistro, bars, shop and box office will also be created.

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Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: "This wonderful pavilion is evocative of Rothesay's heyday as a thriving tourist resort. Its resurgence as a cultural venue for the local community and visitors will not only save an important piece of the Bute's heritage but will have a positive impact on the regeneration of this town. HLF is delighted to help put Rothesay Pavilion back at the heart of island life and community pride."

The restoration work is being led Argyll and Bute Council and the Prince's Regeneration Trust. It is anticipated that the pavilion will close in the autumn to allow the project to commence, with a scheduled re-opening set for summer 2017.

(JP/IT)