The Byre Theatre can look forward to “an exciting future” as it celebrates its reopening tonight.
David Ross, the leader of Fife Council, believes that the St Andrews theatre will become a focal point for the community and for the arts in Scotland under the stewardship of St Andrews University.
Mr Ross has hailed the agreement that will see the university take on the running of the arts venue, while Fife Council will remain the owner of the building.
Ahead of an official reopening ceremony tonight, Mr Ross said developing a sustainable business model for the theatre had been imperative.
“This reopening event marks the start of what I am sure will be an exciting future for the Byre and one which the whole community will welcome,” he said.
“It was important to find a funding and operational model for the Byre that is sustainable for the longer term.
“I believe the solution we have found that mixes university use with community access and professional theatre will secure the sustainable and positive future that this much loved facility needs going forward.
“I am very pleased that the university, the council and the Friends of the Byre have worked together so constructively to bring us to this point that launches the Byre on this new chapter in its history.”
The building, which dates back to the 1930s, was reopened in 2001 by Sir Sean Connery after undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
However, last January its board said that it could no longer cover operational costs and closed its doors.
The new operating arrangement was made possible after the university, Fife Council and Creative Scotland reached agreement on a rescue package for the venue.
In the deal the university signed a 25-year lease with the council to operate the Byre as a theatre, educational resource, general arts venue and music centre.
Having previously played a key role at the heart of Fife’s cultural scene, there are high hopes that the reopened Byre can quickly re-establish its position.
Creative Scotland chief executive officer Janet Archer said: “We are delighted that the Byre is re-establishing itself as a key part of the cultural infrastructure.
“We welcome the balance of the programme which promises to bring high quality work from across the arts to audiences in St Andrews, alongside providing for education and talent development and wide ranging community engagement.”