In its heydey, it was enjoyed by tens of thousands of holidaymakers who sailed “doon the watter” for summer sunshine on the Isle of Bute.

Now Rothesay Pavilion is in the process of a £14 million restoration to return it to its 1930s Art Deco glory.

And it has been announced that the “jewel in Bute’s heritage” will re-open its doors toward the end of this year.

It was yesterday confirmed that two new joint artistic/executive directors have been appointed – Jackie Shearer and Julie Tait – as the countdown to the unveiling of the overhauled venue begins.

In a joint statement, they said: “Rothesay Pavilion has a much-loved place in Bute’s history and heritage and brings fond memories to generations of Scots of time spent on happy island holidays.

“We are honoured and delighted to have been appointed to work with the people and communities of Bute to bring this wonderful building back to life.”

They added: “Thanks to the funding and support given by the Scottish Government, Argyll and Bute Council, the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the restoration returns the Pavilion to its role as a vibrant cultural centre for the local community.

“With its unique architecture and location, we are confident that it will become a magnet for national and international cultural and business tourism.”

An internationally acknowledged modernist grade A-listed building that opened its doors in 1938, it played host to a raft of top entertainers through the years, such as Andy Stewart, local Opportunity Knocks winner Lena Zavaroni, then up-and-coming comic Billy Connolly and in more recent times, Scots rock band Mogwai.

Wrestling was also a regular attraction and the Pavilion also hosted the Miss Rothesay contest.

But decades of continuous use took its toll on the structure, as did the elements on the windswept isle.

And as a result, the Pavilion was placed on the “buildings at risk” register in 2010.

Work began in 2017 to transform it into a cultural and community hub, with the aim of creating a tourism attraction for Bute and the wider area, with organisers saying it would be a “significant catalyst for regeneration and change on the island”.

When complete, it will see the creation of four separate spaces: a main hall capable of seating up to 800 people; a self-contained studio theatre space for 100; a flexible exhibition area and a unique glazed top floor with spectacular views for weddings and other bespoke events.

There will also be a cafe, shop and flexible work spaces.

The refurbishment has been overseen by Argyll and Bute Council in partnership with the Rothesay Pavilion Charity, which was set up in 2014 by the council to manage the Pavilion and the restoration of the building.

They say its relaunch will play a pivotal role in the island’s economic regeneration and social inclusion initiatives through increased tourism and an elevated national and international profile.

Ambitions for future programming include artistic collaborations and accessible community workshops, offering wide appeal across generational boundaries and diverse cultural tastes.

It will host national and international music, comedy, theatre and dance acts, as well as showing major exhibitions of history, photography and visual arts.

Nick Merriman, chair of Rothesay Pavilion, said: “The rebirth of the Pavilion is a triumph for the whole community, and represents a labour of love not just for the Pavilion’s board but for the entire island of Bute.

“To see Rothesay Pavilion restored to its former glory, delivering new and exciting cultural and economic opportunities, is a source of great pride and the realisation of a decades-held ambition.”

Len Scoullar, Provost of Argyll and Bute, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jackie and Julie to their new roles.

“Progress on the refurbishment of the Pavilion is going well and we all very much look forward to the building opening its doors again later this year.

“I’d encourage anyone who previously visited the Pavilion to plan a return when it re-opens, and I’m confident the work being carried out will attract a new audience to Rothesay.

“The Pavilion, and the island itself, holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we look forward to the building once again become a cherished cultural and community hub.”

Riona McMorrow, acting head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “It’s exciting to see this jewel in Bute’s heritage coming back to life.

“Its resurgence as a cultural venue for the local community and visitors will have a hugely positive impact on the town. We’re delighted that, thanks to the people that play The National Lottery, we are helping put Rothesay Pavilion back as the beating heart of this popular island.”