One of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions of the 1950s and 60s has been given a grant of more than £3m from the lottery fund.

The money will help transform Rothesay Pavilion into a "significant cultural centre and visitor attraction giving the town's seafront a much needed boost" the Heritage Lottery Fund said.

Forty years ago the Fair Fortnight saw crowds travel 'doon the watter' to the island of Bute to holiday and watch shows at the Pavilion.

Moe than 40 local community groups continue to use the Pavilion for meetings and activities.

With the new funding, the spaces will be upgraded and a new roof top venue will be added.

The spaces they use will be transformed and include a new multi-purpose roof top space.

The main auditorium will be upgraded and a second performance venue created as a space for young people.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "This wonderful Pavilion is evocative of Rothesay's heyday as a thriving tourist resort.

"Its resurgence as a cultural venue for the local community and visitors will not only save an important piece of the Bute's heritage but will have a positive impact on the regeneration of this town.

"HLF is delighted to help put Rothesay Pavilion back at the heart of island life and community pride."

The HLF has in the past given money to the Rothesay Townscape Heritage Initiative for regeneration projects on the heart of the town, Guildford Square and £3m to The Waverley, the world's last sea going Paddle Steamer.