The gift arrived fresh from the workshop in timely fashion a few days before Christmas, and the instrument - a Yamaha piano whose retail cost reaches well into five figures - has already taken up its prime position on the main hall's stage.

Pavilion manager James McMillan was taken aback by the generous donation from the local benefactor, who expressed a firm desire to remain anonymous.

"The whole thing came out of the blue," James said.

"The donor realised the piano we had was needing a lot done to it, and wanted to give something back to the community.

"The old Bechstein piano we have is more than 110 years old, and it was getting to the end of its natural life. It's more of an antique now.

"The new one is an absolutely fabulous gift - and it's not just for the Pavilion, it's for the whole community."

The old piano may be of a venerable age, but it will be put up for sale soon - and James says all it would need is a bit of tender, loving care and someone who has a bit of time on their hands to restore the instrument to its former glory.

Echoes of the new piano's sound have already been heard reverberating around the walls of the venue, which is run by Argyll and Bute Council, after a former concert pianist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra tried out the new instrument - and showered it with praise afterwards.

There are even plans in the pipeline for a special concert in the spring when the public will be able to hear the full range and quality of the new instrument.

"I think it is a lovely thing to do in this day and age," James continued, "because we would never have been able to afford to replace the old one ourselves. It's going to bring joy to the community for decades to come."