Cumbernauld Theatre at risk of closure after Creative Scotland funding bid rejected

A popular Lanarkshire theatre says its future is now in jeopardy after Creative Scotland rejected its funding bid.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust say they are at risk of closure, putting 44 jobs in danger and jeopardising opportunities for the next generation of performers.

It comes after Creative Scotland announced the recipients of its Multi-Year Funding allocations, a funding block which had been frozen last year.

Despite being a regular recipient in the past, Cumbernauld Theatre’s application for £650,000 a year over the next three years was rejected – money they say is essential to their ability to plan future programmes and support staff.

“This decision has come as a complete surprise to us,” said CEO Sarah Price.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust moved into a new performance space four years ago. STV News

“It was a really rigorous application process and the funding is essential for us to operate as a producing theatre.”

She added: “The rejection was based on a technicality and not at all on the quality of our work or the value that we provide to the community.

“From Creative Scotland’s feedback it appears that our application has not been assessed in full and that crucial evidence around our performance and what we do has not even been looked at.”

Four years ago the theatre moved into Lanternhouse, a newly built space on the Cumbernauld Academy campus and owned by North Lanarkshire Council.

The theatre has been backed by some of Scotland’s most recognisable entertainers who say say it’s an important platform for young performers.

One of the prominent voices supporting Cumbernauld is The Singing Kettle’s Artie Trezise.

He told STV News: “I think I started playing at Cumbernauld when I was in my early twenties and it was a great place to start.

“You need small places to start before you can take on the big places. And they were always very supportive and I’ll tell you something, going around theatres there’s always somebody who started in Cumbernauld.”

Artie Trezise from The Singing Kettle STV News

He added: “Let’s get behind them and make sure that the people of Cumbernauld have a facility that’s supported and that they don’t have to come all the way into Glasgow to come to a show.”

In a statement, the theatre said: “At this critical time, we need our community more than ever. Cumbernauld Theatre has always been more than just a venue – it is a space where people come together, where creativity flourishes, and where stories are shared.

“We are calling on our audiences, supporters, and stakeholders to stand with us as we fight for the future of our theatre.”

The decision was raised by MSP Mark Griffin on Thursday who asked John Swinney if the Scottish Government would review the decision.

Swinney said he was “well aware” of the case.

He said “these decisions are taken by Creative Scotland independently of government” but that he “does recognise the enormous disappointment that will be experienced”

The chief executive of Creative Scotland is due to meet with the theatre next week.

A spokesperson for the arts funding body said: “Sadly, not all organisations’ applications were successful in meeting the criteria and some have therefore been unsuccessful in their application for Multi-Year Funding. Those organisations have received copies of their assessments.

“While we don’t discuss individual applications, we understand how disappointing this is for those applicants, including Cumbernauld Theatre.

“To support these organisations, we are providing access to significant Transition Funding and other potential sources of future support.”

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “The funding announcement from Creative Scotland was extremely disappointing for Cumbernauld Theatre. We will be holding discussions with the theatre to fully understand the implications.”