Theatre calls in the police over lost funds

A POLICE investigation has been launched into the “inappropriate use” of around £60,000 of funds of a struggling Scots theatre company which helped launch the careers of James McAvoy and Paolo Nutini.

Police Scotland confirmed it was in the early stages of an investigation after PACE Theatre Company’s chairman, Donald Urquhart, claimed the charity had been subject “this year and in previous years to many instances of the inappropriate use of company funds”.

It emerged in September that acting coach David Wallace, who co-founded the Paisley organisation, had been dismissed after an internal investigation into the group’s financial affairs.

Mr Wallace’s wife, Mhairi, was also quizzed over finances at the charity and was suspended on full pay while inquiries were being carried out.

It is understood that she left the theatre company voluntarily and under amicable terms.

In a message to supporters, Mr Urquhart, said: “As it is the subject of a current police investigation I am unable to elaborate at this time.

“I would however say that this has been a shock to everyone at PACE but has resulted in significant changes to the staff structure, the appointment of a new chief executive as well as a realistic business plan which will help us deal with outstanding financial issues.”

PACE is running at a deficit and relies on external funding to keep its day-today operations running.

Police Scotland said: “We have received a complaint and inquiries are ongoing.”