More than £1.3m is to be divided between three creative organisations in Scotland, it has been announced.

Creative Scotland has set aside the monies from its Large Capital Funding to help transform cultural facilities and landscapes.

The awards are confirmation of Stage Two Large Capital Awards to help ensure the projects progress the delivery of their final plans.

The projects to benefit from the funding include a centre for children's literature in Dumfries and Galloway; the restoration and upgrading of a cinema in Argyll and Bute, and a major public art commission along the banks of the River Ness in the Highlands.

In Dumfries and Galloway, the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust will establish Scotland's first centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling. Inspired by author J M Barrie and his character Peter Pan, the award will allow the Trust to restore the house and garden responsible for inspiring the famous tale.


The Trust has been awarded £687,500 in Stage 2.

Campbeltown Community Business will also benefit with Stage 2 funding of £400,000 for Campbeltown Picture House in Argyll & Bute.

It is one of the oldest cinemas in the UK and the money will help to restore the venue, as well as install a second screen, a modern café and foyer area.

Lastly, four artists have been commissioned by the Highland Council to create new public art pieces as part of the area's Ness River Public Art Programme.

They will create four new pieces of work that will be displayed along the river bank, and will form unique spaces where people can quietly experience new ways of interacting with the landscape. The initiative has been awarded £259,000 in Stage 2 funding.

Philip Deverell, Director of Strategy at Creative Scotland, said: "The cultural infrastructure of Scotland will be boosted by these ambitious and inspiring projects which have been a number of years in fruition. Each is unique to their location, drawing on a range of inspirations whether historical, from the landscape or from the local community.

"Each will help to ensure that artists and audiences, across Scotland, can continue to present, access and enjoy a range of artistic and creative experiences."

(JP/CD)