Elder & Cannon Architects will work with project manager The Prince's Regeneration Trust to carry out an options appraisal, identifying a package of sustainable uses for the Pavilion.

The category 'A' listed building is one of Scotland's best examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture, and is of considerable importance both to Scotland and the UK.

Since its opening in 1938, the Pavilion has been the hub for community activity and events in Rothesay, such as the annual Isle of Bute Jazz Festival.

However, its condition has deteriorated in recent years and it is now in need of significant repair.

The restoration of the building forms part of the council's regeneration plan for Rothesay – itself a part of the authority's CHORD programme to breathe new life into its five main waterfront towns (the towns in question being Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Dunoon and Rothesay, hence the CHORD acronym).

Councillor Len Scoullar, chaiman of the Rothesay CHORD project board, said the council was delighted by Elder & Cannon's appointment.

"The Pavilion is Argyll and Bute Council's most important heritage asset, and the professional team assembled to develop the options appraisal is highly qualified and experienced in delivering projects of this nature," he added.

"A vibrant, active and beautifully restored Pavilion, capable of attracting visitors from near and far, is integral to the island's regeneration and to the growth of its visitor economy. The impact of the scheme will be significant."

Tom Connolly, Elder & Cannon's consultant architect, said: "Elder & Cannon are both pleased and excited to be involved in the regeneration of the iconic Rothesay pavilion - one of the country's foremost pieces of inter-war architecture."

Detailed technical survey work, concept plans and business planning activity will be undertaken in the next few months, with a preferred package of options identified by the early autumn.

This work will be presented to the public, who will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals. The project will then be developed to detailed design stage together with work to assemble a capital funding package.

The Prince's Regeneration Trust was appointed as project manager by the council at the end of last year.

The Trust's chief executive, Ros Kerslake, said: "We are delighted to be project managing the regeneration of the Pavilion.

"The options appraisal process is now fully underway and the pavilion has great potential to contribute to the economic and social life of Rothesay, serving not only the local community but also attracting visitors from Clydeside and beyond."