Island church transformed into 'adventure centre'

A bowling alley and a climbing wall will be built in a former church in Bute as part of a plan to convert it into an "adventure and social centre".

The former Trinity Church building in Rothesay will also host mini-golf, sports simulators and interactive games, as well as a cafe and bar.

Adventure Lane, the community interest group behind the plans say it will fulfill a demand for more indoor entertainment on the island.

The plans are currently under consideration by Argyll and Bute Council. If they are approved Adventure Lane will purchase the building from the Church of Scotland.

The concept of an indoor family leisure centre was developed three years ago by the local business owners Sophie Reid and John Glen.

Ms Reid, vice-chair of the Adventure Lane, said the plans were "an absolute game changer for the island".

"Our young leave the island," she added. "We have very little to do inside.

"We're a fantastic place but we're lacking indoor entertainment."

The new initiative will transform the B-listed building's interior while maintaining the main features of the church.

The Trinity Church became vacant in 2024 when its congregation merged with the United Church of Bute and moved out of the building.

The funding for the initiative comes from Canadian-based dairy company Saputo, as part of its £3m legacy from the takeover of Bute Island Foods.

Ms Reid said they cannot disclose the funding amount but they are one of two companies who has been granted this funding.

It will be used to fund phase one of the project - the indoor entertainment. Any profit will be used to maintain the church building and will be reinvested back into the community.

The second phase will provide a children's indoor play space for 0-12 year olds, with a year-round hub for nurseries, primary schools, and community groups.

This will not be funded by Saputo and will require the community interest company to seek funding independently.