Dumfries and Galloway Council is being asked to contribute £445k towards the redevelopment of Scotland's oldest working theatre.

According to the BBC, the money has been sitting in reserve for more than two years after an earlier bid to release the funds for the Theatre Royal was rejected.

At the time, Councillors were exploring the potential development of a new cultural centre. Plans to refurbish the existing building continued however, and a £2m plan was established to finance the project.

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The Guild of Players and Dumfries Theatre Development Trust have already secured funding commitments of £1.4m, and an agreement with the Council to free the cash reserve would help place the project near its financial target.

Members of the local authority's Policy and Resources Committee are now being asked to release the funds. Two years ago, the building faced closure, but a funding pledge from the Holywood Trust saved it. As a result, a project has been drawn up that would see the use of adjacent properties in order to provide better access and facilities.

It is hoped the proposal would allow the creation of a specialised rehearsal area, a more welcoming foyer and enhanced bar and food facilities.

The Theatre Royal was built in 1792.

(JP/MH)