The Winter Gardens of Rothesay, a historic A-listed building, has a tale of resilience that captivates and inspires. A daughter's mission to save her father's legacy takes center stage in this captivating narrative.
Maureen Beattie, an actress, proudly continues the fight initiated by her father, the late Scottish showbiz icon Johnny Beattie, who rallied against the local council's demolition plans in 1982. Despite renovations, the building faced closure in 1997, only to be saved by Visit Scotland, which transformed it into a tourist information center.
But here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. In 2020, Visit Scotland announced the closure of all its visitor centers, including Rothesay. This prompted Maureen to join the renewed campaign, driven by the same passion that fueled her father's efforts.
"The building's magic and history are captivating," she reflects, recalling the Rothesay Entertainers' pivotal role in boosting troop morale during World War II. This time, the community took charge, purchasing the building with a £120,500 grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Richard Whitcomb, leading the Bute Community Land Company, emphasizes the significance of this acquisition. "The building has witnessed a century of history and narrowly escaped being lost to the community. We couldn't let that happen again." The new center boasts the island's sole cinema, an 86-seater, community-run since October.
Zeraya MacGillivray, a staff member, highlights the cinema's importance: "Once lost, it's irreplaceable. People adapt, and the community changes." The cinema caters to individual preferences and encourages community engagement by screening requested films.
Dorothy MacDonald, a member of the Winter Gardens Steering Group, envisions the cinema as a catalyst for the building's revival. "The Winter Gardens is a flamboyant landmark, central to the town and cherished by island residents. It's hosted weddings, jazz festivals, and various events." The original winter garden, a simple stage, evolved with the addition of a steel-ribbed dome, one of the last creations of the Saracen Foundry in Govan, shipped to Rothesay in 1924 for just £1,500.
The Art Nouveau building and the later Art Deco Pavilion transformed Rothesay into an entertainment hub. While the Pavilion featured live orchestras and dance halls, the Winter Gardens hosted professional acts like Sir Harry Lauder and Tommy Morgan in the summer and amateur companies in the winter.
During World War II, the island became a significant naval base, hosting submarine flotillas. The Winter Gardens briefly served as a mess hall before resuming its entertainment role with morale-boosting shows. The Glasgow painter and decorator Robert Fyfe established the Rothesay Entertainers, whose performances lasted over 25 years.
And this is where the story takes a controversial twist. As Scottish seaside towns lost their allure in the 60s and 70s, the Winter Gardens and the Pavilion struggled to adapt. Both fell into disrepair, seeking new purposes. The Pavilion, closed for refurbishment in 2015, faced reopening delays due to the pandemic, inflation, and the cost of living, with a new target date of early 2027.
The Winter Gardens project aims to raise £700,000 for heating system upgrades and a café bar. Dorothy emphasizes the importance of this endeavor, stating, "It's about local control and ensuring the building's survival." The cinema, a lifeline, must be supported by the community to thrive.
The cinema aims to collaborate with local schools, integrating film production into the curriculum and hosting a small film festival. Dorothy envisions an intergenerational space, honoring the past and embracing the future. Maureen Beattie echoes this sentiment, urging the creation of a space that appeals to all generations, ensuring the Winter Gardens' longevity.
What do you think about this community's dedication to preserving their heritage? Do you believe it's essential to adapt historical buildings for modern use, or should they remain as they were? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
