Making sure the show will go on - Angus Robertson

The coronavirus restrictions are a huge challenge to large parts of the economy, including many cultural institutions and their staff.
Edinburgh's historic King's TheatreEdinburgh's historic King's Theatre
Edinburgh's historic King's Theatre

Capital Theatres which run the Kings Theatre, Festival Theatre and The Studio at Potterrow have faced particular funding challenges which were threatening some of Edinburgh’s best known and loved venues and their 230 staff.

Only a few weeks ago, things were looking pretty bleak which is why supporters including Brian Cox called for a special initiative.

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A public appeal was launched which raised £87,000, which was more than double its original target of £35,000. I wrote an Edinburgh Evening News column in support concluding: “The Kings Theatre has survived two World Wars and the Spanish Flu epidemic which had a disastrous impact on theatres and cinemas. It must be saved for current and future generations”.

In recent days it was confirmed that the Scottish Government is providing a £500,000 lifeline for Capital Theatres which is in addition to the £250,000 it has been awarded by the Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund.

This latest funding boost by Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop takes the total of emergency funds to nearly £98 million, which is a huge commitment to the culture and heritage sectors and is hugely welcome.

In announcing the support she said: "Culture is vitally important to all of our lives, and the Scottish Government is determined to do everything within our powers to see the sector through this crisis."

Many thanks to Fiona Hyslop and her colleagues in the Scottish government for doing so much to help in such difficult times.