We welcome Live Borders’ clarification that no formal decision has been made regarding Eastgate Theatre’s core funding. However, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of certainty and the short notice we have been given regarding this proposal to remove our funding in its entirety. The ongoing review will not conclude until at least April 2025—after the start of the new financial year, leaving Eastgate Theatre in a precarious and unsustainable position, with little opportunity to plan responsibly or secure substantial alternative funding.

The £15,000 payment referenced by Live Borders for the current financial year was simply the final instalment of our 2024/25 funding, paid five weeks late. It does not resolve the key issue: the uncertain future of Eastgate Theatre beyond April 2025.

While Live Borders refers to Eastgate as an independent organisation, it is important to highlight that we are a crucial provider of the arts in Tweeddale, delivering services that Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council would otherwise need to fund and manage in full. From high-quality artistic programming to vital community outreach for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young people, Eastgate plays a unique and irreplaceable role in the region’s cultural and social fabric.

The response from the community so far has been overwhelmingly supportive, reflecting how deeply valued Eastgate Theatre is across Tweeddale and beyond. We encourage everyone to continue making their voices heard and putting pressure on decision-makers at Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council. This public advocacy is critical as we fight for Eastgate’s future and the continuation of the services and opportunities we provide to the region.

As a result of this community action, we welcome the news this morning that Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders have agreed to pay £15,000 in April 2025 as an interim measure ahead of the review’s conclusion. While this is a small but significant win, it represents only a fraction of the £60,000 annual core grant we have received in previous years. The fight for our full funding is still very much ongoing as part of the wider Live Borders review.

To discuss these developments and the future of Eastgate Theatre, we will be holding a Public Meeting at 11am on Sunday 23rd February in the Eastgate Theatre auditorium. We invite all members of the community to attend, share their views, and show support for Eastgate during this critical time.

We remain open to further dialogue and are committed to working collaboratively with Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council to find a long-term, sustainable solution. Until then, we will continue to advocate on behalf of Eastgate Theatre and the communities we serve.