Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Claims that Perth Council ‘misjudged’ theatre costs
PERTH and Kinross Council (PKC) “seriously underestimated” the cost of running the new £15 million Perth Theatre, according to the former chairman of Horsecross Arts.
Magnus Linklater resigned from his post in 2019 after “serious concerns” were raised over the organisation’s financial management.
But now Mr Linklater says the council was warned many times of the cost of running the theatre, as well as Perth Concert Hall.
And he accused the local authority of withholding promised funds that would have helped steady the ship.
His comments come after it emerged Horsecross Arts needs a £2-3 million investment if it is to survive in 2022.
But PKC says the organisation is “financially stable” after providing emergency funds two years ago.
Mr Linklater says that while his board was open to criticism, the council must also be held to account.
He said: “In our view, the council seriously under-estimated the cost of running its new £15 million theatre, despite being warned many times by the board.
“We were effectively expected to run two venues on a budget that covered only one. Funds were promised, but withheld.
“The finances of both venues were a shared responsibility: the council was represented on the board, and, from early in 2019, monitored all decisions by means of a joint task force.
“I have no doubt the board is open to criticism. But that does not absolve the council or its officers.”
In response, Perth and Kinross Council says it is working with the Horsecross board to ensure the future of the venues.
A spokesperson said: “In 2019 the council was required to step in to provide emergency financial support to Horsecross Arts and ensure improvements to governance following an independent audit, also commissioned by the council.
“Horsecross Arts is now financially stable and we continue to work closely with the board and staff to focus on a positive future for this important arts organisation.”