The beautiful Isle of Bute has long held a well-deserved reputation as a popular holiday destination – and now it could become a contender as the UK’s Town of Culture.
At a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council on Wednesday 25th February, councillors agreed to submit an Expression of Interest for the UK Government’s UK Town of Culture Competition 2028.
Local authorities across the UK have been invited to enter towns (including islands and town clusters) in three categories, based on population size. Any entry from Argyll and Bute would come under the ‘small’ category of 20,000 and under. Those who are shortlisted after Expression of Interest stage receive funding of £60,000 to develop their full competition bid. Three UK finalists will ultimately be selected, with the overall winner receiving £3m funding and the two runners-up £250,000 each.
Policy Lead for Business Development, Cllr Math Campbell-Sturgess, said:
“Here in Argyll and Bute we are spoiled for choice - we have a number of places worthy of consideration as a UK Town of Culture. After careful consideration, we feel that the Isle of Bute offers the best chance of getting through this round of funding.
“Bute has so many positives including its many festivals, its rich history, a range of venues and of course its warm welcome. There’s a real creative and cultural buzz about the island, a tremendous sense of community spirit, and local people’s willingness to work in partnership for the good of Bute. Even in our early talks to explore what might be possible, the community are already excited about Bute’s chances."
The next step now is for further talks with local groups on Bute, including the Rothesay Pavilion Charity and others, on how to work together and develop the Expression of Interest. This must be submitted by 31st March 2026 with the shortlist due to be announced in April.
If Bute is shortlisted, work will continue over the course of 2026 on a proposed cultural partnership programme for 2028. It is this programme, and the partnership approach, which will ultimately determine which communities succeed in becoming UK Towns of Culture.”
Cllr Campbell-Sturgess concluded:
“There will be a lot of work to do but it’s worth the effort - the benefits could be significant for Bute and local economy more widely.
Find out more about the council’s proposal
