Scottish theatre plans appeal

The Byre Theatre in St Andrews has announced that it will appeal the decision to cancel its funding.

Last month it was revealed by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) - before the body became Creative Scotland - that the theatre would not receive any funding from April 2011.

It had been given GBP 160,000 for the year 2009/10 and had applied for this figure to rise to GBP 290,000 for the next year in order to continue to develop its artistic, education and outreach programmes.

Jacqueline McKay, chief executive of the theatre, said: 'Although we look forward to continuing our dialogue with Creative Scotland to explore what the new relationship with the Byre Theatre could look like, we will, on taking legal advice, be appealing against the SAC flexible funding assessment process.'

Ms McKay confirmed that the theatre would continue with this year's planned programmes.

Last month the council allocated 60 arts organisations a share of a GBP 16 million flexible fund over the next two years.