Rothesay Winter Gardens and community ownership

That this House congratulates everyone involved in the successful acquisition of the Rothesay Winter Gardens on the Isle of Bute; recognises that this acquisition was only made possible because of the hard work and perseverance of Bute Community Land Company and the generous assistance of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund; is delighted that the people of Bute are now the owners of this historic and iconic Grade A, cast iron and glass structure, which has since 1924 welcomed millions of visitors, including hundreds of thousands Glaswegians as they disembarked from the Wemyss Bay ferry for their annual holiday Doon the Watter in Rothesay; notes that despite its Grade A listing, the Rothesay Winter Gardens faced an uncertain future and was in danger of falling into disrepair following the announced closure of Visit Scotland’s information centre in 2024 and if it was not for the dedication and determination of local people to save the building and repurpose it as an arts and entertainment facility for the benefit of the whole community, one of Scotland’s architectural gems could have been lost; and believes that the Rothesay Winter Garden will provide entertainment and enjoyment for future generations and wishes everyone involved all the very best for the future.