The oldest working theatre in Scotland, the Theatre Royal in Dumfries, has been given more than £300,000 in lottery money for a major refurbishment.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded what they call a "first-round pass" for the grant of £280,900, including development funding of £20,900, for the project.
Completed in 1792, the building been used as a roller-skating rink, auction hall, cinema and a theatre.
As well as refurbishing the building and providing new storage for these collections, a new exhibition will be created showcasing the theatre's history.
A new educational studio and digital media suite will also be built.
Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "The HLF is delighted to give its initial support to the refurbish-ment of the Theatre Royal Dumfries so the long-standing tradition of live theatre can continue."
Alan Henry, development convener for the Guild of Players, said: "This grant will allow us to make the theatre's heritage accessible to all."
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