The centre now boasts an extended performance programme running from March to December. It has fully accessible facilities for disabled visitors and performers alike, a spacious and comfortable foyer with open-fire plus café bar, and a new annex building providing accommodation for up to 10 performers.
The centre has improved and accessible changing and backstage facilities, a new stage piano, and boasts state of the art stage sound and lighting facilities. Outside, there is an enlarged car park and a veranda and established sheltered garden.
This renovation was made possible with a mixture of private funding and grants from the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Department and Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise. The centre receives annual revenue funding from the Scottish Arts Council and the Highland Council.
Aisling Bryce, their current director, originally hails from Dublin but has lived in Scotland for many years.
Aisling addresses the big questions:
When was the venue established?
In 1977, by former director, William Wilson who tirelessly nurtured the centre for 27 years.
What famous names have taken to the stage?
I have consulted William and he has named Carol Kidd, George Melly, Tommy Smith, Theatre de Complicité and Earl Okin for starters. Andy Goldsworthy, Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and George Wylie have also exhibited here.
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