Dunoon Burgh Hall secures short-term funding after support from Emma Thompson

A prestigious cultural centre, seen as the crown of Dunoon, has secured short-term funding after facing imminent closure earlier this year.

The Burgh Hall was facing closure after having previously announced it needed to raise £60,000 to pay wages and keep the lights on before funding ran out at the end of March.

The venue doesn’t receive funding from any local authority or Government core funding and relies on income generated through grant funding, arts, culture, and entertainment programmes, and the generosity of donors and the general public.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched in February, with Hollywood stars like Emma Thompson and Greg Wise backing calls to support the venue.

Christina McKenzie, chair of the Burgh Hall, has now confirmed that funding has been secured alongside a grant from Creative Scotland.

In a letter to supporters, Ms McKenzie wrote: “Funding has been secured from the TSI Resilience Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, along with an 18-month grant from Creative Scotland to support future gallery exhibitions.”

Ms McKenzie said that while funding secured for the venue is “great news” for the short-term future, the sharp rise in costs and current cost of living crisis means there is still an ongoing need to cover the operating costs of the building.

“So we’ll need to keep the fundraising and Crowdfunding efforts in place for the next few months to fill any shortfall,” she said.

The chair also expressed gratitude for the generosity and support received from the local community, as well as Thompson and Wise.

“Alongside the recent funding, Trustees and staff have been working with Inspire Alba to develop our recovery and business plans as well as Highland and Island Enterprise to ensure we can be as self-sufficient as possible moving forward,” she added.

She continued by saying that the dedicated staff and volunteers could look towards a “brighter future” for the Hall.

Fundraising efforts to keep the Hall afloat are continuing with varied one-off events in the coming months, the first of which takes place on Saturday, March 29.

“A host of top local talent are giving their time in aid of the Hall and it promises to be a spectacular evening for all. Get your tickets before they sell out,” the newsletter read.

The Hall also announced it is a part of this years Big Give Campaign in support of the Creative Blethers initiative experiences for the elderly, carers, and adults with disabilities or mental health concerns.

“Every penny the Hall raises between March 18 and 25 is match funded up to £5,000. So please help us turn £5,000 into £10,000 by donating at Big Give.”