A 19th century garden on the Isle of Bute has reopened to the public after a £500,000 renovation.
Significant external works were carried out on the Category A-listed Winter Gardens Discovery Centre on Rothesay as part of improvements being made to historic buildings across the island.
Roof coverings, metal panels and fixtures on the seafront property were all replaced as improvements were made to the windows.
The building was also given a fresh lick of paint to accompany the installation of new lighting to give the centre a brand new look.
The works worth £510,000 were funded by its owners VisitScotland, incorporating a £200,000 grant provided by the Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) programme.
Councillor Aileen Morton, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Residents of Bute will notice the difference in the Winter Gardens exterior and I’m sure it will also catch the eye of any visitors to the island.
“It’s great that such a beloved and well-known building has had the work it needed to secure its long-term future.
“At a time when finances everywhere are tight, it is encouraging that the council has been able to secure funding that will enhance Rothesay through the TH project, allowing us to help grow local businesses and the economy.”
The improvements were made as part of phase two of the Rothesay Townscape Heritage project, a five-year heritage-led regeneration scheme which will aims to enable property owners to safeguard historic buildings and shopfronts for generations.
The multi-million pound project, which began in October 2017, will continue until September 2022.
Funds will be provided by several organisations including £1, 888, 500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), £500,000 from Historic Environment Scotland, £200,000 from Argyll and Bute Council and £70, 249 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland regional director, said: “We are delighted to see the Winter Gardens Discovery Centre reopen having been restored beautifully through significant investment.
“The Category A-Listed building acts as a gateway to the rest of the vibrant Isle of Bute and our friendly and knowledgeable Visitor Services Advisors working in our iCentre there have continued to offer full information provision for visitors to the island since the work began in September, and look forward to welcoming more as the renovation is completed.”
