The organisation which will have the final say on Fife Council’s decision to allow St Andrews University to take over the Byre Theatre has expressed hope that the terms of the tenancy agreement can be finalised soon.
Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government development body for the arts and creative industries, has to give formal consent because they hold a standard security over the council’s heritable interest in the Byre Theatre.
A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: “We have been working in collaboration with Fife Council on the university’s proposal to take over the lease of the Byre Theatre. We are currently working with partners to finalise the terms of the tenancy agreement to ensure the continuation of The Byre as a community and professional arts facility for public enjoyment.”
The Courier told on Wednesday how Fife Council’s executive committee has given its unanimous backing to allowing the university to take over the lease of the Byre from August 1 with no cost to council tax payers in Fife.
Councillors expressed optimism that the Byre had a “positive future” so long as there was a balance between the facility’s use by the university and the community. The university has welcomed the decision which supports its vision for the theatre as a “vibrant centre for the arts in Fife”.
Friends of the Byre secretary Dr Alan Tricker told The Courier it welcomed the university deal that had been struck. He said: “The Friends organised a meeting for local performing/user groups with Grant Ward (Fife Council’s head of leisure and cultural services) a few weeks ago and representatives from the university also attended. It was a very positive meeting and the majority who attended seemed reassured by the university’s response to their various concerns.
“All of the suggestions made that night were taken on board and incorporated into the schedule which is attached to the lease and sets out in some detail proposed use of the Byre.
“If all people and groups who are interested in the Byre can continue in this spirit of partnership then the Byre has a good chance to become a thriving theatre again.”