The new chairman of Horsecross Arts board has told The Courier he is keen to “rekindle” enthusiasm for Perth’s two main arts facilities and get the troubled arts body “back on track”.
Magnus Linklater, former chairman of the Scottish Arts Council, said his aim is to rebuild “confidence” in the organisation.
The Courier revealed the organisation faces a £500,000 shortfall and has seen six board members and other key figures quit recently.
Mr Linklater said: “I have huge admiration and affection for Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. When I was approached to be chairman I felt I would like to do all I could to help.”
He continued: “The company (Horsecross) obviously is going through a difficult period, but I will do anything I can to help.
“Perth and Kinross Council is committed to funding to back Horsecross and the company has solid foundations.
“Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall are both very strong institutions and, at heart, they are both great venues that benefit all in Perth.”
Mr Linklater continued: “I would hope with my background in the arts with being former chairman of the Scottish Arts Council and my connections with the art world will help.
“It will be good to get Horsecross back on track. My aim is to rebuild confidence and rekindle enthusiasm and ensure it is going along on the right lines.”
Mr Linklater is understood to be set to chair his first board meeting on November 27 when the company’s financial difficulties are expected to be discussed.
Former chairman Iain Halliday has left along with John Markland, Mike Beale, Mary Alexander, Helen Richardson and Steve Antoniewicz.
Such is the financial predicament facing Horsecross Arts, it is understood some money may be shaved off the proposed £14.5m budget for the redevelopment of Perth Theatre.
Horsecross Arts has been rocked by a series of personnel changes, with the first being Rachel O’Riordan, Perth Theatre’s artistic director.
This was followed by former chief executive of Horsecross Arts Jacqueline McKay leaving her post for “personal reasons”.
The Perth Theatre redevelopment project was meant to be overseen by Ms McKay, who also worked as chief executive of the Byre Theatre in St Andrews before moving to Horsecross Arts last October.
Talks have taken place between Perth and Kinross Council and Horsecross Arts in a bid to plug the financial black hole.
Councillor Mac Roberts, one of the Horsecross Arts board members, also believes there are positive times ahead for the company.
“I am hoping Perth will end up with a facility akin to Dundee Contemporary Arts opening Perth Theatre up to a wider audience,” he said.
“We want it to be a happening place to be.”