Hollywood stars back bid to save prestigious Dunoon Burgh Hall

It’s seen as the crown of Dunoon but the town’s burgh hall is facing imminent closure if vital funds aren’t raised to save the venue.

The possible closure has come at a time when arts venues across the country are facing a funding crisis. Now, some A-list actors have backed calls to support the prestigious Victorian cultural centre.

Actors Emma Thompson and Greg Wise are pleading with people to do what they can to support the venue.

In a video message, Emma said: “It’s the most extraordinary building, so beautiful, but inside it’s so alive and vibrant.

“They’ve the most wonderful arts shows and most wonderful resources for the elderly, the young. It’s a community hub like no other and we are so lucky to have such a thing in Dunoon. Help us save this precious treasure.”

Joining his wife, Greg said: “Please help as much as you can, spread the word, help raise funds. Keep this wonderful building open. It’s a crown for Dunoon. It would be an absolute travesty were it to disappear.”

The venue needs £60,000 if it is to pay wages and keep the lights on before funding runs out at the end of March.

There are huge concerns about the wider impact to the community if the venue closes its doors for good.

Dunoon Burgh Hall trustee and local resident Greg Girard told STV News: “We’re trying to raise £60,000 to keep us going through until the end of March.

“If we don’t reach that target, then the hall will close. The only asset in the hall is the hall itself. So, the potential to lose the hall is quite a big threat to the community in general.”

The burgh hall is a cultural cornerstone in this community. It’s been a safe haven for artists from across Scotland, offering a place for them to showcase their works.

Artist Pearl Kinnear told STV News: “This gallery space being given to us – free to use and free for the public to access – is incredibly important.

“There’s nothing better than going to somewhere out of the central belt and finding an amazing building, walking in and seeing something you do not expect to see there. That’s one of the most valuable things Dunoon Burgh Hall provides in terms of the visual art.“

The venue also works with vulnerable young people, local kids and young carers.

They host workshops and art classes that encourage their creativity and provide wider support.

Youth project coordinator Kerry Nixon, said: “We’re working with the most vulnerable people, especially with my project. It’s actually a lifeline this building – keeping people socialising, giving them access to the arts, even just a wee space to meet up with each other.

“It’s just so important we don’ t let our arts venues go and it’s the best place for miles around.”

There’s a rich history and a lot of special memories for locals connected to the hall.

Volunteer Ewan Hamilton said it has a special place in his heart: “I volunteer and help out at the hall. I was on a committee when there was potential for it to be knocked down some years ago. It means a lot to me.”

Trustee Patricia Girard has been connected to the halls for years and wants to preserve the unique cultural history of the venue for generations to come.

Patricia told STV News: “ It was built by the people of Dunoon, which were my ancestors, and maybe everybody in Dunoon’s ancestors put together, to help fund and build this hall.

“It had the oldest theatre in Scotland and had many different functions. I learned to tap dance in it as well. We put on a Highland show here and it was one of the best nights.”

An online fundraiser is now active to help save the local landmark.