Roundtable discussion held over future of The Brunton

The current building was permanently closed and mothballed last October due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Since the closure, there has been widespread support from across the community to ensure that Musselburgh is not left without a theatre.

READ MORE: Theatre will 'rise out of the ashes' of The Brunton

This support was echoed from all sides of the roundtable, with the need for a new theatre to be located in the town emphasised.

The event was attended by trust members, councillors, MSPs and MPs, and hosted by Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack.

The roundtable in action (Image: Supplied) Commenting on the roundtable, Ms Boyack said: "It is clear sitting around the table how committed everyone is to securing a theatre for Musselburgh.

"It is vital that we engage constructively with the council, Scottish and UK Government to ensure that we can achieve a lasting solution.

"The Brunton has been a key cultural asset for decades; it would be devastating if its closure led to the loss of such a vital cultural space for the community."

Michael Stitt, Brunton Theatre Trust chair, added: "It was great to discuss how we can secure a long-term future for the theatre in Musselburgh – I would like to thank all parties who joined us for the meeting.

"The Brunton is a critical part of Musselburgh’s and East Lothian's cultural life.

"We have been fortunate to have some temporary provision to see us through these challenging times, but these remain temporary.

"It is now crucial we look to plan and rebuild a theatre in East Lothian.

"The trust will work cross-party to ensure a solution is found and ambitions realised."

There was also enthusiasm to engage in stronger efforts to secure funding for a new theatre from multiple sources, including efforts to engage the UK Government in the process.

Andy Forrest, board member and Musselburgh councillor, stated: "The council are determined to ensure the future of a theatre in Musselburgh.

"The council will do all it can to identify funding required to make sure the theatre will continue; it is vital for our community and the cultural scene across East Lothian.

"I am glad we have had the opportunity to reaffirm this commitment, and the council is eager to do all it can to secure a future for the Brunton.

"It is great to see strong commitment from politicians across the board and wide recognition for the need to secure a theatre for Musselburgh."

Colin Beattie, Musselburgh MSP, added: "The theatre has been a vital part of our community for decades, providing a space for amateur performers and top-class productions alike.

"I am glad to see such widespread support and I am determined to secure a long-term future for the theatre in our community."