Icon Claire could be happy if Theatre in the Hills stays open

Eighties icon Claire Grogan has launched an emotional appeal to save Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The Theatre in the Hills announced a temporary shutdown this week, declaring Covid-19 a “critical threat” to the venue and the livelihoods of many local people.

A spokesman said: “Most of our funding comes from audiences attending our productions and spending time here with us.

“Without them the vast majority of our income is gone and the organisation will not be able to stay open.”

Gregory’s Girl star Claire has recorded a video message to help generate support.

The Altered Images singer, who was appearing in an acclaimed production of Barefoot in the Park, said: “We all know how tough it is for everybody out there. It’s tough for all of us.

“But if you could find a way to support Pitlochry Festival Theatre it would be so much appreciated. It’s here for you and for all of us, let’s keep it.”

Donations can be made at the theatre’s website.

Coronavirus is proving a threat to cultural establishments across Scotland with Perth’s theatre and concert hall, Dundee Rep, DCA and the V&A Dundee among the early casualties.

Organisers of the Blackford Highland Games’ 150th gathering, which was due to be held on May 30, declared yesterday that the Covid-19 virus had done what the Boer War and two world wars could not by halting the historic event held since 1870.

Games president Stuart Laing said rescheduling to August 23 was a possibility.

Another of the biggest events in Scotland’s Highland Games calendar has also been cancelled.

Thousands were expected to attend the historic Atholl Gathering and Highland Games at Blair Castle, on May 23-24.

Elsewhere, Dundee Science Centre has been closed.

The Ecology Centre, in Kinghorn, has cancelled its volunteering programmes until further notice. The building itself will remain open for regular classes and events, which may be subject to cancellation by the groups that run them.

Bowling clubs across Fife have closed until further notice.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has announced it is closing all of its centres.

Leisure centres across Perth and Kinross have also closed.

All Angus sports centres, libraries, museums and other leisure and culture facilities were also shutting at the close of business yesterday. Gyms, museums, swimming pools, town halls, theatres and other attractions are all affected.

Country parks at Monikie, Crombie and Forfar Loch will remain open to the public as they are outdoor spaces.

The third Butterfly Ball on May

2 in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), has been postponed until September 26.

The Glenrothes and District Accordion and Fiddle Club and the Windygates Button-key Accordion and Fiddle Club have cancelled their next club meetings.

Kirriemuir branch of the Saltire Society has cancelled its last two season lectures next Thursday and April 23 and the town’s Community Council meeting on Wednesday has also been put off.

Kirrie Day Centre has closed but a stall will be there seven days a week to answer questions and an outreach service for the most vulnerable is being put in place.

Activities and bookings in Fife’s community use schools and at Fife Cycle Park stopped from 10pm yesterday.

St Andrews students’ On the Rocks Festival has been called off. The arts event was due to run from April 3-12. Organisers said hundreds of people had worked hard for the festival and they were devastated to cancel it.

The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy has closed until further notice.

Fife Council has suspended all meetings until the end of April.

Crieff Foodbank said it would suspend service users collecting food parcels in person from Monday. People are asked to ring, private message or email for deliveries.

Visiting will continue at Perth Prison and Castle Huntly. However, prisoners who show any symptoms of coronavirus will have to self-isolate in their cells.

Perth charity PKAVS is suspending all face to face support. Services, including Shopmobility and day-care activities at the PKAVS carers centre and the its charity shop, began closing yesterday.

Some events have escaped the axe, for now.

Glamis Castle looks almost certain to delay its summer season opening scheduled at the end of the month. An official decision has yet to be taken.

And organisers are considering whether to press ahead with Tayside’s most colourful music festival.

The team behind Rewind team said they have still to make a final decision.