An ambitious plan has been lodged for a new Perthshire arts venue which has the backing of a top Scottish actor.
The Courier can reveal Denis Lawson, of Local Hero fame, has stayed in “regular” contact with David Campbell, project leader of the Strathearn Artspace, since the actor was involved in a film- making workshop at the development site, a former library in Comrie Street, Crieff, the town where Lawson was born and brought up.
Mr Campbell said that having the support of celebrities such as Denis Lawson and Gerald Butler has definitely helped to promote the arts venue.
“Denis is in quite regular contact with me and it was amazing when he held the film workshop here,” he said.
“We had a BBC film crew here with actors from River City, so it was a great occasion.”
He continued: “It is better to know now if there are any issues with the planning application. However, the proposal is really straightforward and there is nothing controversial about it.
“We’ve had no complaints about our plans and the general response from the public has been positive.”
Mr Campbell said Strathearn Artspace has already lined up the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for productions in May next year and he stressed the organisation is keen to attract youngsters to the venue, if the plan is approved by the council.
“There will be a production of Whisky Galore and one by the Royal Conservatoire, which should be brilliant,” he added.
“We want to broaden our appeal and attract youths, although that is a hard nut to crack.
“Our aim is to apply for grants for a film projector, which would cost around £50,000 -£60,000, as soon as planning consent is granted.
“Then we could show films that are still at the cinema but not yet out on DVD.”
The Artspace concept is described as a community-based arts facility, which would act as a venue for teaching and recreational art classes, an exhibition and gallery area, a temporary cinema, lectures, meetings, and space for dance and theatre performances.
Mr Campbell added: “The Artspace project has been operating on a shoestring budget since it became operational in September last year but, at the end of our first year, we’re in the black.
“Getting planning permission will open doors in terms of funding and allow us to continue.”