As the transformation of Rothesay Pavilion continues, the local community is already seeing significant benefits thanks to ɬ Council’s Community Benefit Scheme and the commitment of Robertson Construction Central West.
The council works closely with contractors to ensure that major projects deliver more than just infrastructure — they bring lasting social, economic, and environmental value to the communities they serve.
Since September 2020, the Community Benefit Scheme has enabled local groups throughout ɬ to request support ranging from sponsorships and donations to employability initiatives and volunteering. Robertson Construction has delivered a wide range of benefits across Bute as part of this.
Recent examples include:
Employability Support
- Delivery of support to unemployed adults over 24 through a partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, including sessions on careers in construction, CV writing, and interview skills.
- Participation in Older Workers Week, highlighting the value older individuals bring to the construction industry.
Youth Engagement and Education
- Hosted school visits, including a STEM bug hotel design challenge for Primary 5 pupils, and attended Rothesay Academy’s careers fair.
- Delivered a summer STEM activity with Achievement Bute, where young people created water-holding structures in a team challenge.
- Welcomed a student from Oban High School for a Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Industry Day, offering a site tour and insights into construction career pathways.
- Attended a school careers fair, where employees also delivered a talk on careers in construction.
Volunteering and donations
- Repaired a stair banister at Bute Oasis Foodbank, donating time and materials.
- Built a stage area and donated a log store to the local Apple Tree Nursery.
- Donated £1,000 to Bute Highland Games in both 2024 and 2025.
- Donated three iPads to the Lade Centre, set up by Robertson employees for community use.
- Supported Positive Pedals with lighting installation through volunteering and material donations.
Looking ahead, Robertson Construction intends to continue to build on its community engagement and the company has several initiatives in the pipeline.
For example, plans are underway to involve pupils in helping elderly users at the Lade Centre learn to use the donated iPads, and efforts are being made to arrange site tours and work placements for local students.
Funding from Robertson is available to local groups and charities, with interested organisations encouraged to apply through ɬ Council's Community Benefits scheme.
The council’s Depute Policy Lead for Policy Lead Community Planning and Corporate Services, Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson, said: “The transformation of Rothesay Pavilion is not only about restoring a landmark building, it is about investing in the local community. The range of support being delivered through the council’s Community Benefit Scheme is helping people of all ages to gain skills, access opportunities, and feel connected to the project. It is fantastic to see such meaningful engagement and generosity from Robertson Construction, and we look forward to seeing even more benefits as the project progresses.”
Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: “We are making strong progress on the restoration of Rothesay Pavilion, and the team is focused on delivering a high-quality landmark building for the region. That progress has been matched by continued engagement with community groups across Bute, allowing us to offer support in ways that have real value locally.”
Visit the for more information about the Community Benefit Scheme and details on how to register a project.
