Fears for the future of a Firth of Clyde icon after tourist centres axe

There are fears for the future of one of the most famous buildings on the historic waterfront in Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, following a move by Visit Scotland to close all its tourist information centres.

The iCentre in Rothesay is based within the 100-year-old Winter Garden which was restored in 2001 and underwent a further half million pound renovation in 2019.

The tourism body says it is making changes because it believes most people are now planning holidays with travel specialists and online resources including TikTok, YouTube and websites to research and book.

All 25 information centres will operate as usual until the end of September as part of a phased, two-year closure programme.

A total of 170 staff will be affected - 120 permanent workers and 50 seasonal employees.

Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie, is writing to Visit Scotland’s senior management to ask for a meeting to discuss their plans for all four centres in the area.

Iconic building 'Doon the watter'

The Winter Garden was pre-fabricated in Glasgow at the Saracen Foundry of Walter MacFarlane & Co. and shipped over to the Isle of Bute and erected during 1923-4.

The front entrance is flanked by pagoda-roofed square towers and iside the domed roof is supported by sixteen steel ribs resembling the spokes of a giant umbrella.

Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth, Communities and Corporate Services, said: “Tourism is a key part of the Argyll and Bute economy, and makes a major contribution to sustaining communities in rural and island areas. It is very disappointing that such a significant decision has been made without consultation with local communities, and apparently no recognition given of the wider role these centres perform, connecting local communities with visitors.

"It is welcome that there will be no compulsory redundancies but we know that communities would want a commitment to local jobs being safeguarded through remote working opportunities.

"The loss of the visitor centre on Rothesay is a particular concern as it sustains the historic Winter Gardens that was subject to a recent refurbishment at considerable public cost.

Fears for island jobs

"This building occupies a prominent location in Rothesay’s historic waterfront and contains the island cinema which is an important community asset. There is a need for full clarity over the future of this building before any proposed closure as it performs an important multi-functional role for the local community.

"Tourism is not only for tourists. It is also for the people and communities who make Scotland’s tourism possible. Visit Scotland has a responsibility to local people as well as to our tourists.”

The Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie, is writing to Visit Scotland’s senior management to ask for a meeting to discuss their plans for all four centres in Argyll and Bute.

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