Work to restore Rothesay Pavilion is moving forward, with tangible gains already being felt locally through Argyll and Bute Council's Community Benefit Scheme and the efforts of Robertson Construction Central West.

The council collaborates with contractors to ensure major investments deliver more than bricks and mortar, aiming for lasting social, economic and environmental outcomes. Since September 2020, the Community Benefit Scheme has enabled groups across Argyll and Bute to seek support such as sponsorship, donations, employability initiatives and volunteering, with Robertson providing a broad package of help on Bute.

Employability activity has included support for unemployed adults aged 24 and over in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, covering careers in construction, CV preparation and interview techniques. The company also marked Older Workers Week, underlining the contribution older people make to the sector.

Young people have benefited from school visits and hands‑on learning, including a Primary 5 STEM "bug hotel" design challenge and attendance at Rothesay Academy's careers fair. Robertson also ran a summer STEM session with Achievement Bute, where participants built water‑holding structures as a team challenge, and welcomed an Oban High School pupil for a Developing Young Workforce Industry Day featuring a site tour and guidance on construction career routes. Staff additionally supported another school careers fair with a talk on opportunities in the industry.

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Community volunteering and donations have ranged from repairing a stair banister at Bute Oasis Foodbank to creating a stage area and supplying a log store for Apple Tree Nursery. The firm donated £1,000 to Bute Highland Games in both 2024 and 2025, provided three iPads to the Lade Centre (configured by Robertson employees) and helped Positive Pedals by installing lighting, combining volunteer time with material contributions.

Looking ahead, Robertson plans to deepen engagement, with initiatives in development. These include involving pupils in helping older users at the Lade Centre get to grips with the donated iPads, and arranging site tours and work placements for local students.

Funding from Robertson is available to local groups and charities via the council's Community Benefit Scheme, and organisations are encouraged to apply. Visit the council website for details on the scheme and how to register a project.

Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson, the council's Depute Policy Lead for Policy Lead Community Planning and Corporate Services, said: "The transformation of Rothesay Pavilion is not only about restoring a landmark building, it is about investing in the local community. The range of support being delivered through the council's Community Benefit Scheme is helping people of all ages to gain skills, access opportunities, and feel connected to the project. It is fantastic to see such meaningful engagement and generosity from Robertson Construction, and we look forward to seeing even more benefits as the project progresses."

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: "We are making strong progress on the restoration of Rothesay Pavilion, and the team is focused on delivering a high-quality landmark building for the region. That progress has been matched by continued engagement with community groups across Bute, allowing us to offer support in ways that have real value locally."