The Isle of Bute is being put forward as Argyll and Bute Council’s choice to bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, following a decision taken by councillors on Wednesday 25 February 2026.
An Expression of Interest will now be submitted to the UK Government competition, which invites towns, islands and town clusters across the country to compete for cultural recognition and significant funding.
Bute would enter the small town category for communities of 20,000 people and under.
If shortlisted, the island would receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.
Three finalists will ultimately be chosen, with the overall winner receiving £3 million 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 31 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.
“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.”
For an island long known for its festivals, Victorian architecture and creative energy, the bid is about more than a title.
It is about recognition, investment and telling Bute’s story to the wider UK.
The Expression of Interest must be submitted by 31 March 2026, with a shortlist expected in April.
Find out more about the council’s proposal at UK TOWN OF CULTURE 2028 COMPETITION.pdf
