The Courier’s report on the opposition to listing The Brunton (September 25) makes one wonder: what is the problem for these Labour grandees?
The decision to demolish The Brunton was taken without any discussion of the quality of the building. Yet it is the work of a leading architect, Sir William Kininmonth, friend and partner of Sir Basil Spence, another of Scotland’s greats.
Kininmonth is known for combining modern architecture with specifically Scottish features. In The Brunton, his masterstroke was the decision to face the building with Skye marble, technically a considerable challenge. It is a building to be proud of, as your well-chosen illustration suggests.
Kininmonth’s is not the only important name associated with The Brunton. The creator of its theatre was Ian Appleton. He crowned his career by designing the Leeds Playhouse, celebrated as the national theatre which London never had. It is weird to see the Brunton Theatre Trust and the local Labour leadership writing off a wonderful facility to which they pay such fulsome lip service.
The Labour Party’s attitude is particularly illogical. The more that is known about The Brunton, the better the decision about its future. They should be welcoming Historic Environment Scotland’s involvement with open arms.
The act of listing did not stand in the way of restoring the Campbeltown Picture House or in redeveloping the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow.
David Campbell
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland East Lothian Cases Panel
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