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LANDMARK MONTH FOR BUTE WINTER GARDEN

March 26th was a landmark date for Bute Community Cinema and the beautiful Winter Garden dome which graces Rothesay's main promenade.

Bute Community Land Fund finally secured the funding to purchase the building from previous owners, Visit Scotland and the keys were handed over saving the island's only cinema from closure and bringing back to life the beautiful domed arena which will again be used for weddings, functions, parties and festivals providing a whole new generation with lasting memories of this wonderful building.

The building and the cinema have had a chequered career over the years having been earmarked for demolition back in the 80's only to be saved by a Trust formed by Scottish showbiz legend, Johnny Beattie and then again two years ago when Visit Scotland announced the closure of the building as they were moving on.

But like the proverbial phoenix it has risen from the ashes once again and this time a steering group backed by Bute Community Land Company, led by local woman, Dorothy McDonald and Scottish actress, Maureen Beattie and including Richard Whitcomb (BCLC), Louis Ware, Ruth Oliver and Ahrlene Fuller are all set to steer the cinema and the building to a bright new future.

"Everything we have done has been and will continue to be a team effort...with people helping in many different ways and we want to thank them all," said Dorothy McDonald.

"We have had many expressions of interest from individuals and groups over the last couple of weeks and there will be no shortage of uses for it."

Looking to the future it will cost a lot to maintain this A listed building and there will be further adaptations required, so the hard work to obtain funding is only just beginning.

Meantime everyone is invited to get involved by supporting the cinema and the movies on offer, by looking to hold functions and events in the domed arena, by fundraising or by giving a donation.

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HUGE TURNOUT FOR DOORS OPEN DAY

Over 500 islanders, holidaymakers and supporters turned out recently when Bute Winter Garden and Cinema threw open its doors to celebrate a new era for the building which had recently been purchased on behalf of the community by Bute Community Land Company.

On hand to lead the celebrations was local M.P. Brendan O'Hara who was delighted that the island had been successful in securing the building's future for generations to come.

“It has been a real honour to have been asked to share this day and to finally open the doors to this iconic building under the new ownership of the local community. The tenacity they have displayed in getting to this stage has to be recognised by everyone,” he said.

“And everyone should be excited to own this iconic building….it’s yours and it’s going to take a huge effort to make it a success, but if there is ever a community that can do that… it is Bute.”

A celebratory cake was cut by Mr. O'Hara and a constant stream of well-wishers filtered through the Winter Garden throughout the day talking to volunteers and committee members and making their own contribution to ideas for future events.

They were also able to enjoy a tour through the community cinema while musicians, Kees Vogt, David Thain and Andy Walters provided entertainment throughout the event There was also special guest appearances from the Bute Community Band and children’s favourite ‘Super Mario’.

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