Trust submits plan for vibrant arts hub

Centre could arrest exodus of young talent

A new performing arts centre could stop Fife’s exodus of young talent to Scotland’s major cities.

Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre Trust’s ambitious plans would create a studio theatre, arthouse cinema and headquarters for the blossoming Alhambra Stage and Dance School in the former Dunfermline Carnegie Music Institute in New Row.

Influenced by the famous Wilton’s Music Hall in London, its ambition is to create a 21st Century version of a traditional repertory company, a home for innovative young writers and performers.

Work to transform the derelict Watt and Dewar Ironmongers would be carried out in phases and financed by the trust.

Councillor Jean Hall-Muir hailed the vision for the Ironmonger Studio as another example of the ambition of the town’s creative community.

Local businesses and residents in Craigie have joined volunteers from Beautiful Perth to brighten up the “triangle” at Craigie Cross.

The heart of the local community, the area lies on a busy junction used by hundreds of vehicles and pedestrians every day.

The first improvements came at Christmas 2016, when businesses based around the Cross installed lights to give the site a festive feel.

They were keen to keep up the momentum so Chic Doogan of the Abbotsford Bar met Beautiful Perth chairman John Summers to hatch a plan.

The resulting project has seen new gravel spread around the memorial benches and pruning of the trees in the triangle.

Beautiful Perth volunteers have installed and planted tubs and two-tier planters which will bloom with colour every spring and summer, and the Fish & Chip Company has undertaken the task of watering the flowers.

Mr Summers said the project was a shining example of the difference a community can make to their local area through joint initiatives.

“This may be a small area, but it’s at a very important point in Craigie that is seen by so many people on a daily basis,” said Mr Summers. He added: “This is a lovely project. “It’s a great example of what a difference we can make with a little bit of land, some voluntary effort, a great partnership of local people and businesses – and a lot of enthusiasm.”

The Beautiful Perth group used to be called Perth in Bloom as their main focus was originally on horticultural work.

The group helped to produce the spectacular floral displays which have won the city many national and international awards over the past two decades.

They changed their name to Beautiful Perth in 2007 as they began taking on a wider range of community and environmental projects.

These included picking litter, tidying up unsightly places and encouraging local action to improve the environment.

Those projects are recognised through the annual Beautiful Perth awards.

This may be a small area, but it’s at a very important point in Craigie that is seen by so many people on a daily basis. BEAUTIFUL PERTH CHAIRMAN JOHN SUMMERS

The Alhambra Theatre Trust’s plans centre on 62 New Row, which has lain empty for years.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. From left, back: Councillor Bob Band and Chic Duggan of the Abbottsford Bar; front: Councillor Michael Jamieson, Beautiful Perth treasurer Monica Straughan, committee member Barbara McDonald and chairman John Summers, at Craigie Cross.