Theatre secures major investment

Eden Court was refurbished at a cost of £23m

Eden Court theatre in Inverness is to receive nearly a million pounds in government funding.

The venue on the banks of the River Ness reopened last November following a major upgrade.

The £894,000 will help complete the £23m refurbishment of the Highland Council-owned theatre.

Announcing the funding, Scottish Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said the new-look building was an example of the Highlands 2007 legacy.

The year-long celebration of Highlands arts and culture was brought to an end in January with a fireworks display on Inverness' Kessock Bridge.

Ms Fabiani said: "Eden Court theatre plays an essential part in the cultural life of Inverness and the Highlands and as a first rate entertainment venue it also contributes greatly to tourism in the area as well as the wider local economy."

Eden Court director Colin Marr said the funding would help to complete the redevelopment plans.

He added: "The Highlands now has a world class multi-arts venue offering better facilities than any other theatre in Scotland, of which we can all be proud."

Fiona Hampton, of Highland 2007, described the theatre as a "wonderful asset" for the Highlands.

Comics convention

The venue's revamp was completed about 12 weeks later than expected and £3m over budget.

A row over Highland Council's funding for the building led to the resignation of a senior councillor after he said it was a "waste of money".

Since reopening Eden Court has hosted comedy, musical conferences, the Highlands' first comics convention and a lecture by controversial scientist Richard Dawkins.

Five open spaces within the building include a 264-seater area, with stage and control rooms.