Eden Court Theatre in Inverness calls for the support of local people as it continues to face ongoing financial challenges
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Following a cut in funding during the last financial year Eden Court Theatre has undergone a major reorganisation in a bid to plug the gap.
Income for the 2018/2019 financial year was £5,378,898 and expenditure was £5,821,755 – resulting in a reduction of £442,857 in reserves.
Chief exwecutive James Mackenzie-Blackman said the organisation has been making rigorous efforts to reduce costs and, if possible, increase revenues.
A number of jobs have gone at the theatre as part of cost-cutting measures.
Eden Court's financial strategy for the next three years involves the continued development of relationships with funders – both public organisations and individuals – in order to support its delivery of both artistic and creative learning programmes.
Cash reserves will be used to support it through the current phase in its development and efforst will continue to reduce costs.
Mr Mackenzie-Blackman said: "There is no escaping that 2018/2019 was one of the most challenging in the organisation's history.
"We have, however, invested significant time and resources in improving our relationships with our major funding partners, Creative Scotland and Highland Council.
"We are dedicated to providing cultural experiences to everyone who lives in the region and growing the business in new ways to better meet the needs of the audiences who visit us, the community members who take part in our engagement activities and the artists who perform on our stages.
"Now more than ever we need the support of all local people who love Eden Court to continue to support us. They can do this by coming to see our shows and films, spending in our restaurant and bars and by donating.
"As we move forward into 2020 we will be sharing more with our loyal audiences about our plans for the future that we hope will enable the business to grow and thrive."
Donald Robertson, chairman of the Eden Court Highlands board, said: "I'm very grateful to James, his team, and our major partners for their support throughout 2019 as we have collaborated to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts.
"Through working together and with our audiences continuing to support Eden Court I am confident we will emerge stronger and more resilient following this difficult time."
Accounts show that Creative Scotland and Highland Council each reduced funding by £200,000 for this financial year – with Eden Court given just eight weeks notice of the move.
