Theatre secures lottery 'win'

The Theatre will receive 190,000 over three years from new organisation Creative Scotland, which distributes a share of National Lottery funds to support various creative or artistic endeavours around the country.

The award has been hailed as a major achievement for Cumbernauld Theatre as various other organisations, such as the Byre Theatre in St Andrews, failed to secure funds.

Ed Robson, artistic director at the theatre, said: "Every year thousands upon thousands of people attend performances, workshops and events at Cumbernauld Theatre and we positively welcome the continued support of Creative Scotland.

"Their renewed investment means that we can continue to run classes for hundreds of young people each week, continue to put on great drama, music and dance performances providing fantastic nights out, and most importantly continue to ensure that Cumbernauld has a Theatre that it can rightly be proud of. Our national reputation for excellence makes this Theatre the envy of many other towns.

"It's the incredible spirit of the communities of Cumbernauld that helps make this theatre such a success, and so we'd like to thank all our supporters – the audiences, the local businesses, the young people – for helping to make Cumbernauld Theatre the best small theatre in Scotland."

A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: 'Cumbernauld Theatre's programme of work is well-informed, articulate and also stresses community involvement. The theatre has an excellent team at the helm which has worked hard to build close links between professionals and non-professionals in the arts and this shows in the theatre's plans and programme.'

And Jim Logue, convener of learning and leisure services, said: "I'd like to congratulate everyone associated with Cumbernauld theatre for its continued success.

"Their professional approach has resulted in securing funding from Creative Scotland for the next three years. This was particularly impressive as other high profile arts organisations were unsuccessful."