Approval given to demolish Rothesay Academy.

Good news from Argyll and Bute Council as they have finally secured consent to demolish the former Rothesay Academy on the beautiful Isle of Bute. This B-listed building has sat empty since the school relocated in 2007, and despite all efforts to redevelop or sell it, the council has had no luck. Sadly, the building is in a sorry state of disrepair, attracting vandals and anti-social behaviour to the area.

But all is not lost! The council has big plans for the site once the academy is demolished. They are partnering with others to deliver a new housing development in its place. This exciting project not only aims to rejuvenate the area but also to help tackle the housing crisis that many communities are facing.

Councillor Ross Moreland, the council’s policy lead for finance and commercial services, spoke about the difficult decision to demolish a listed building. Despite efforts to find a new use for the academy, it simply isn’t financially viable. With the go-ahead from Historic Environment Scotland, the council is now ready to create a strategy and secure the necessary funding to begin the demolition process.