OVER the decades it has played host to some of Scotland's most popular stars.

Lena Zaveroni, Elaine C Smith and Johnny Beattie have all trod the boards at the Rothesay Pavilion, one of the most significant surviving Art Deco buildings in Scotland.

It has also been a venue for dancing, conferences, flower shows, weddings and sports activities.

But next weekend, the A listed building will shut for two years for an £8.5million refurbishment.

The category A pavilion has been one of the main attractions on the Isle of Bute since it was completed in 1938.

But in recent years its condition deteriorated and for a time it was included on the buildings at risk register.

However, work will soon start on the multi-million plan to upgrade the building and to mark the fact a closing festival will be held from September 25 to 27.

Development manager Stuart Thomas said: "Live music will be a cornerstone of the programme in the future so we had to have a concert as part of this weekend."

Audiences will be able to enjoy Edinburgh nine-piece band Orkestra Del Sol and drama Pavilion People which has been created by members of the local community, aged between five and 95, who have shared their stories and memories.

The redeveloped pavilion will for the first time have a purpose built gallery and exhibition space and as part of the closing festival, photographers are being asked to submit an image they feel best captures the pavilion, or seaside modernism.

There will be guided tours on Saturday and Sunday when there will be a chance to see behind the scenes of the theatre, discover its hidden spaces and see how each will be restored, transformed and used.

Phyllis Steel, board member of Rothesay Pavilion charity, said: "The closing weekend of Rothesay Pavilion will be truly memorable and one that you won't want to miss.

"It is a golden opportunity for everyone to join in and say your fond, albeit temporary farewells to this much-loved building.

"We are also celebrating the considerable achievement of securing 95% of the funding required to allow the building to be refurbished as a modern, state-of-the art facility for the islanders and visitors to Bute."