Old Courthouse Rothesay, Bute building, Fyne Initiatives housing photos, Scottish island homes

The Old Courthouse, Rothesay : Isle of Bute Building

New Housing in west Scotland design by Collective Architecture

post updated 9 July 2025

The Old Court House Completes On The Isle Of Bute

Design: Collective Architecture

The Old Courthouse on the Isle of Bute

photo © Andrew Lee

18 Nov 2011

The Old Courthouse Rothesay, Isle of Bute

Located in the centre of Rothesay’s outstanding conservation area, adjacent to a unique 13th century circular castle, The Old Courthouse recombines a series of ‘Category B’ listed buildings that formerly housed Argyll and Bute Council offices and the regional Sheriff Court. Collective Architecture’s combination of refurbishment, restoration, remodeling and new build has been used to create 25 new homes for first time buyer, shared equity sale on the Isle of Bute.

The design retains the sculptural mid-nineteenth century ashlar stone facades and rearranges the plan of the building around a new courtyard; a simple shift that provides efficient circulation and a series of calm external spaces within the busy town centre.

A new deck, formed in concrete, steel and mesh, wraps round the courtyard and, in conjunction with a new lift shaft and stair tower, provides barrier free access and external semi-private spaces to all flats. Within the courtyard a restrained palette of materials and simple elevational treatment provides a sympathetic contrast between the old and new elements. New openings are marked with black zinc frames to mark out interventions in the existing facade.

photos © Andrew Lee

Materials and energy systems have been chosen to minimise the long-term environmental impact of the building. As well as much of the building being retained, local, sustainable and long lasting materials and trades were used where possible. The highly insulated envelope, in conjunction with partially retained thermal mass and hi-efficiency boilers provide a comfortable internal environment and an energy efficient building.

The redevelopment of the building included demolition, facade retention, archaeological investigation, structural steel installation and involved many local skilled craftsmen including stone masons, plasterers, slaters and carpenters – the execution of many of the details was very much a collaborative effort.

The overall achievement is down to a strong and ambitious client, skilled design team and a cooperative and capable contractor and sub-contractors.

photos © Andrew Lee

Photographs: Andrew Lee, 41, Burghead Place, Glasgow G51 4QL

The Old Courthouse Rothesay, Isle of Bute – Building Information

Location: Castle Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Type Of Project: Conservation & Conversion
Client: Peter McDonald of Fyne Initiatives
Architects: Collective Architecture
Project Architect: Gerry Hogan
Structural Engineers: Scott Bennett Associates

Funding: HAG grant and private equity
Tender date: Jun 2012
Site start date: Sep 2009
Contract duration: 18 months
Gross internal floor area: 2,115 sqm
Total cost: £4.3 million

M&E consultant: FLN Consultants
Quantity surveyor: Brown & Wallace Construction Consultants
CDM consultant: Scott Bennett Associates Safety Coordinators
Lighting consultant: N/A
Main contractor: John Brown of Strone

Selected subcontractors and suppliers:
Brick: Ibstock engineering blue from quality seconds
Main cladding: VM Zinc – Anthrazinc
Main Steelwork: Bute Blacksmiths
Internal structural framing and ceiling and soffit linings: John Brown of Strone
Windows/doors: Blair’s of Greenock
Timber kit: John Brown of Strone
Roofing finish: VM Zinc – Anthrazinc, 0.8 gauge, 425 c/c
External hardstanding: Mistral conservation setts by Marshalls

The Old Courthouse Rothesay images / information from Collective Architecture

Collective Architecture

Location: Rothesay, Isle of Bute, western Scotland.