Overtoun Park bandstand restoration project
The bandstand in Overtoun Park, Rutherglen is a much‑loved local landmark. Built in 1914, this B‑listed structure has been at the heart of the Royal Burgh’s community life for more than a century, hosting performances, gatherings and celebrations.
What happened?
On 1 June 2024, the bandstand was badly damaged by a significant fire. Police and fire services responded quickly, and we immediately secured the site to protect the public. Temporary fencing and additional security were put in place while specialists assessed the full extent of the damage.
Our commitment to restoration
In February 2025, we approved £300,000 to repair and restore the bandstand in time for Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary in 2026. Because the structure is historically important, the restoration must be carried out with care and precision. We will work closely with conservation experts to identify and preserve original features wherever possible, ensuring the bandstand’s character is fully respected.
Future improvements
Alongside the essential restoration work, we hope to include a small number of sensitive modern upgrades to support safe and sustainable community use. These may include:
- improved power supply
- discreet lighting
- CCTV to enhance security
Any additions will be designed to complement the bandstand’s heritage and will not detract from its traditional appearance.
Funding the full restoration
While initial funding will allow urgent repair and stabilisation work to begin, additional investment will be needed to deliver a full restoration that meets both heritage standards and community expectations. This will ensure the bandstand can once again serve as a vibrant space for events, performances and local celebrations for generations to come.
What the community told us
We asked local residents for their views on the future of the bandstand during a formal consultation. Thank you to everyone who took part - your feedback is helping to shape the restoration plans.
You can read the full findings in our community questionnaire outcome report.