Oldest theatre handed fresh hope

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Ambitious plans to overhaul theatre provision in a south of Scotland town have been revived.

A previous bid to refurbish the Theatre Royal in Dumfries, the oldest working theatre in Scotland, collapsed in 2006 due to funding issues.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has now set up a working group to discuss a new performing arts facility in the town.

Proposals include the creation of a cultural centre which would be closely linked to town centre regeneration.

The condition of the 217-year-old building has been of concern for a number of years.

The local Guild of Players and the Theatre Royal Trust will be part of talks to look at providing a modern facility for the town.