Public meeting to discuss future of Eastgate Theatre in Peebles amid funding concerns
Last updated 13th Feb 2025
Details have been announced of a public meeting to discuss the future of the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles.
It comes amid concerns over the funding of the Tweeddale arts venue.
Creative Director Fraser Morrison had claimed a £60,000 grant from its main funders was set to be withdrawn.
And more than 1,800 people have signed an online petition urging a rethink.
But, in a joint statement, Scottish Borders Council and its leisure operator Live Borders, insist no decision has yet been made.
They say they're passionate supporters of culture and the arts, but do confirm a review is underway.
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Responding to the statement today (Thursday), a spokesperson for the Eastgate said: "We welcome Live Borders' clarification that no formal decision has been made regarding Eastgate Theatre's core funding. However, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of certainty and the short notice we have been given regarding this proposal to remove our funding in its entirety.
"The ongoing review will not conclude until at least April 2025 - after the start of the financial year, leaving the Eastgate Theatre in a precarious and unsustainable position, with little opportunity to plan responsibly or secure substantial alternative funding."
The theatre claims a recent £15,000 payment made by Live Borders was the final instalment of funding in this financial year - "paid five weeks late".
The statement continued: "While Live Borders refers to Eastgate as an independent organisation, it is important to highlight that we are a crucial provider of the arts in Tweeddale, delivering services that Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council would otherwise need to fund and manage in full.
"From high-quality artistic programming to vital community outreach for older adults, individuals with disabilities and young people, Eastgate plays a unique and irreplaceable role in the region's cultural and social fabric."
A meeting to discuss the Eastgate's future will be held at the theatre on Sunday, February 23rd, at 11am.
The spokesperson added: "We invite all members of the community to attend, share their views, and show their support for the Eastgate at this critical time."
An online crowd-funder has also been launched in the "fight for the Eastgate's future".
The local authority, which has had to put a freeze on some of its own spending in a bid to balance this year's books, points out the venue - as an independent organisation - has the ability to source its own funds.
A joint statement from Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders said: "We are aware that there is some concern that grant funding Live Borders has awarded Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre for the last number of years is to be cut.
"Live Borders is working closely with Scottish Borders Council and there is a comprehensive ongoing review and programme of transformational change in progress. This includes consideration of a range of options to ensure the future financial sustainability of leisure and cultural services going forwards.Â
"Any further decisions in relation to the Eastgate Theatre and all other facilities, operated or funded by Live Borders, will be taken on conclusion of the ongoing review and transformation work and once all facts have been identified and analysis undertaken."Â
And, it adds: "We want to reassure you that no decision has been taken to withdraw ongoing funding."
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