A plan to have a theatre building in Lochaber is beginning to take shape after years of behind-the-scenes work.
Lochaber Theatre – a performance space for professional and amateur theatre – near to the west coast town of Fort William is the goal of a small group of people who want to see professional live performances in the town on a regular basis.
One of the women behind the plan, Ilona Munro, said that while Lochaber is famous for its hill walking and outdoor activities, it is missing an opportunity to be at the heart of the touring network in Scotland.
Ms Munro, an arts educator, said: “People in the arts know all about our neighbouring areas Argyll and Skye and Lochalsh, but when it comes to Lochaber we are seen as the Outdoor Capital and overlooked when it comes to the arts.”
Ms Munro, who is based in Kinlochleven, has been spending time over the last few years with other interested people to look for a dedicated venue.
She believes there are more than a dozen amateur groups who would be interested in having a dedicated home for the arts in the area.
She continued: “We need people to add their voice to our ambitions for a dedicated arts space, to realise the dream. We have set up a Facebook page for people to join in the discussion.
“For 21 years I have listened to every excuse as to why Lochaber is denied an inspiring performing arts centre.”
After collaborating with other arts professionals – and speaking with organisations such as Mull-based Comar, Oban’s Rockfield Centre and Pitlochry Theatre, Ms Munro believes it is time to secure a venue to promote live theatre in Lochaber.
“We want and deserve professional and inspiring theatre, comedy, music and dance,” she said.
“People of Lochaber deserve jobs in technical theatre and performance. They deserve local training. We, like so many places in the UK, deserve choice.
Ms Munro, who is also an accomplished playwright, called on others to join the debate, she said: “Please add your voice to mine with action.
“Be it a cowshed, boat, lorry, church, village hall or boarded up building, Lochaber deserves an arts centre.”
Mr Munro can be contacted via Facebook under the page Theatre Lochaber.
