Do you live in, work in or visit Rothesay on the Isle of Bute? Are you interested in informing the regeneration of Rothesay's Town Centre? If so, an event has been organised designed to give you the opportunity to make your voice heard.

Greenspace Scotland, an independent charitable company, is gearing up to guide the local community in developing a plan for the revitalisation of the heart of Rothesay using a technique called 'placemaking'.
Described as an innovative and pioneering approach to the regeneration and revitalisation of public services, neighbourhoods and communities, the specific ethos of placemaking is that "the community is expert".

The placemaking event, which will be held on Wednesday, February 3, is being facilitated by Argyll and Bute Council in partnership with Greenspace Scotland and with funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It aims to further develop plans for the Rothesay Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) as part of the Council's wider £30m CHORD programme for waterfront regeneration in five key Argyll and Bute towns, Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.

But for the event to be successful, it is essential that the widest possible spectrum of the community is involved.

Councillor Len Scoullar, Chair of the Rothesay CHORD Project Board, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for everybody with Rothesay's interest at heart to engage with the regeneration of one of Argyll and Bute's most important towns.

"However, I must emphasis the need for people to participate and get involved to ensure that their needs and ambitions are heard and properly documented as we move forward in the exciting development of Rothesay's Townscape Heritage Initiative".

The placemaking event will start 10.00am on February 3 at the Rothesay Pavilion and will last until 1.00pm, when lunch will be provided for all those who attend.

All those involved should ensure to bring suitable outdoor clothing, as they will be spending approximately one hour looking around the town centre.

The success of 'placemaking' has already been demonstrated in Ardrishaig, near Lochgilphead. The resulting action plan is featured on the front page of the Council's website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Anyone who wishes to attend the Rothesay event should contact Lorna Pearce, THI Project Officer on 01700 501374 or at lorna.pearce@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Further details of the Rothesay THI can be found on the Council's website.