Art gallery project secures site

Johnston Primary is to be used for the art gallery project

A site has been identified to host a permanent art gallery of work associated with south west Scotland.

A primary school due to be vacated in 2010 has been earmarked by councillors for the Kirkcudbright project.

Johnston Primary is scheduled to move to a new site in the town allowing the £1m property to be used by the council for its art gallery plans.

The need for a permanent home for the arts was identified in a cultural strategy drawn up five years ago.

Education and community services committee chairwoman, Sandra McDowall, said the decision to use the school was an important one.

'Important project'

She said: "This is a significant step towards delivering a major art gallery in Kirkcudbright.

"It is an excellent site for the gallery.

"We can now move forward with planning for this important project."

Kirkcudbright boasts a long artistic heritage.

In the early 20th Century the town and surrounding countryside were home to Edward Hornel, Jessie M King and Charles Oppenheimer.

It is hoped the new gallery would hold at least 100 works by artists associated with south west Scotland.