Restoration of landmark theatre in 'home straight' after Government funding boost

The Ayr Gaeity has received a 500,000 loan from the Social Growth Fund and a grant of 90,000.

The planned refurbishment of the B listed theatre, originally built in 1902, is now around 300,000 short of its 2.4m funding target.

The 90,000 comes from the Scottish Government through the People and Communities Fund for 2015/16.

The 500,000 loan is one of the first allocations of funds through the 16m Social Growth Fund, a fund established to provide assistance to charities and social enterprises.

The Gaiety Theatre is an historic venue, a former stage for comedians, singers, variety acts and icons such as Sir Harry Lauder, the jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, Jimmy Logan and a host of other stars.

Alex Neil, Scotland's social justice secretary, said: "This loan will help the Ayr Gaiety Partnership regenerate its fantastic historic building.

"By renovating the theatre and improving the experience for audiences I'm confident that this will have a knock-on effect on the local economy, encouraging more people to visit and spend money in Ayr.

"This Fund encourages our entrepreneurs and enterprising organisations to think of innovative ways to tackle inequalities and help us to deliver a better Scotland."

Since re-opening the theatre more than two years ago, the Ayr Gaiety Partnership has sold more than 120,000 tickets.

It has also launched a skills and employment initiative, established work with young people across Ayrshire and taken on the programming of four more venues.

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Restoration of landmark theatre in 'home straight' after Government funding boost