A north-east councillor has unveiled his plan to convert one of his town’s most historic buildings into an arts centre.
The Dalrymple Hall in Fraserburgh is the setting for annual summer and winter pantomimes, organised by the town’s junior arts society.
The facility also plays host to cinema screenings, dance classes and events such as the community’s flower show.
But, for large parts of the year, it goes unused. And now, Cllr Ian Tait is championing the idea of the C-listed building being opened permanently as a gallery for local artists and a venue for people to learn about the visual arts.
The independent councillor claimed it was “important” to bring people from all backgrounds together under a common interest.
He added: “Some groups do this already, but I think it would be really beneficial if this could be expanded.
“To do this, we need a modern, properly-equipped centre which can be accessed by the whole community. ”
He argued that, although local groups make use of the building in the evenings, the property was being “underused” through the day.
Therefore, in a bid to address this disparity, he will suggest at next week’s Banff and Buchan area committee that a fresh application for regeneration money is made specifically for Dalrymple Hall.
A £5million scheme to regenerate buildings across the town centre is already underway, but does not include the hall.
But Mr Tait said: “It could be used a lot more than at present. I believe we have a resource here that could be used to a much greater extent especially during the day.
“I will be raising this at the Banff and Buchan area committee as the first step to starting the process to get council support.
“I want the inside of the building modernised and made fit for purpose as a proper arts centre.
“Helping the arts to develop in the Fraserburgh area will be a big boost for people of all ages.”
