A north-east councillor has claimed the imminent arrival of one of the world’s top performing arts schools should be the catalyst for preserving and renovating a historic building.
Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council struck a landmark deal with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to open a branch of the academy in Fraserburgh, one of the country’s most deprived areas.
The aim of the venture is to ensure young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain training in music, drama and production.
Although the final programme of activities has not yet been agreed, local councillor Ian Tait has said the arrival of the Conservatoire is an ideal opportunity to safeguard the town’s Dalrymple Hall.
It’s believed the building on Seaforth Street could be used for classes.
It is already the venue for annual summer and winter pantomimes organised by the local junior arts society. The space is also deployed for cinema screenings, dance classes and the community flower show.
But Mr Tait argued the B-listed building – which lies unused for much of the year – should be opened up to other groups as well.
The independent member added: “The present Dalrymple Hall and Arts Centre building is not truly fit for purpose as an arts centre.
“I therefore think that it should be developed to its full potential, both as a centre for the arts and crafts, but also to help bring more people into the town, helping to sustain and create jobs.”
A feasibility study would be needed before any decision is made and Mr Tait has suggested any future project could be brought under the “mantle” of the council’s multimillion-pound regeneration efforts in Fraserburgh.
He said: “The arrival of such a prestigious body should highlight the desirability of having a suitable building for continuing what they bring by working with the commitment and enthusiasm for the arts that local groups already have.”
Mr Tait has now called for local groups in the area to meet ahead of the arrival of the Conservatoire later this year.
