Warming show of support for Crieff Artspace
Locals donate £3k in two weeks to buy new boiler
Those behind a popular Crieff arts venue have thanked generous Strath locals for a “heartwarming” show of support.
Strathearn Artspace was facing an uncertain future after its ageing boiler packed in, meaning events planned for the increasingly-chilly evenings became shrouded in doubt.
The registered charity launched an appeal for donations in a bid to cover the estimated cost of buying a new heating system as previously-sourced grant funding was ring-fenced for other purposes.
And community-spirited locals duly stepped up to the plate, digging deep and handing over more that £ 3000 in just over a fortnight.
Artspace project leader David Campbell said the new combi-boiler, ordered on Monday this week, could mean the popular Comrie Street focal point saves money on the long run as it will be cheaper to run than its predecessor.
“We’re really amazed by the response to the appeal and we’re keen to thank everyone for their very, very, kind and generous donations,” he told the Herald.
David cont i nue d : “There has been a mix of small and large donations, and they’re all very much appreciated. It’s quite heart- warming to know that people care so much about the Artspace and we feel it’s appropriate that the people of Crieff should get recognition for how generous they have been.
“I recognise a few of the names – some of the people wished to remain anonymous – and they were mostly from Crieff, although some did come from a little further afield.
“It’s nice because this gives the people of the town part-ownership of the building in a way, albeit not literally.”
David added: “The old boiler, which was beyond repair, was totally wrong for our purposes. It took up a small room and looked like something that would’ve been more use for a school or a hotel.
“Hopefully the new one will have a knockon effect in that it will be more economical and, as it’s smaller, it might free-up some more storage space.
“Normal service as far as the Artspace is concerned should commence soon – which is a relief, as we were wondering whether we would be able to run some of the events we have coming up as, without the heating, it was really getting quite cold.”