Arts venues in Dumfries and Galloway have been given a major boost thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

In a grant, announced by the HLF today, three venues in the area will benefit from the investment.

In Dumfries, the historic Theatre Royal will be restored and extended, while first-round funding passes were awarded for a project that will create a new, nationally significant art gallery in Kirkcudbright. Essential repairs will also be carried out to Kirkcudbright Parish Church.

While work will be undertaken to restore and transform the buildings to make them sustainable for the local community, work will also be done to research and preserve their history.

In April 2013, it was revealed that Dumfries & Galloway had not submitted as many applications as other areas in Scotland, so the HLF designated it as a priority area and encouraged more heritage projects to come forward for funding.

A year later, and the initiative has been a great success with more than £800,000 of confirmed HLF funding awarded to 15 projects in the area.


Commenting on the funding, Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: "Cultural venues have a hugely important part to play in the life of our communities. They are held dear in our hearts as they are interwoven with the history and cultural traditions of a place giving it a unique sense of identity.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to help Dumfries and Kirkcudbright share their rich histories in creative and performing arts so that they can continue to inspire and involve people in memorable and rewarding experiences which enrich their lives.

"There is huge potential to showcase the heritage and culture of Dumfries & Galloway and we are pleased that, working with the Council, we have encouraged local organisations and groups to come up with projects that involve them in the history of their community."

Work on the three projects will involve:

The Theatre Royal Dumfries (£322,300 funding)

• Project aims to secure a sustainable future for the voluntary run theatre, as well as opening up its history to the public.

• The theatre will be repaired and restored and the adjoining building converted to house new storage for the collections as well as an exhibition showcasing its history.

• A new café and bar, educational studio and digital media suite will be built.

Kirkcudbright Art Gallery (£969,100)

• Will transform the Town Hall in Kirkcudbright into a gallery of national significance showcasing the town's artistic heritage.

Kirkcudbright Parish Church (£96,500)

• Urgent repairs to the south wall and windows of the church building.

• Complementing the building works will be a programme of heritage activities including the production of a leaflet documenting the history of the church.

(JP)