STOBO Castle has donated £10,000 to the Eastgate to help with its redevelopment plans.

Last month, we reported the theatre has launched a fundraising drive in an attempt to rack-up £50,000 to transform the venue.

And bosses have already managed to accumulate a fifth of their target thanks to the Peeblesshire spa.

A Stobo spokesperson said: "We have always regarded the Eastgate as the heartbeat of Peebles and truly admire the steps you are taking to develop and improve the facility."

The theatre has also turned to Big Lottery Fund and is in the process of approaching other potential funders, aiming to bring investment of over £1.5 million into Peebles.

A JustGiving page has also been set up, so people can donate online.
Caroline Adam, general manager of the Eastgate, told the Peeblesshire News: “It was a wonderful surprise to receive this extremely generous cheque.

"Feedback from extensive community consultation shaped the detailed development proposals and it has been heartening to have confirmation of the Eastgate’s role as a vital community venue."

With record attendances across more than 200 events staged in the main auditorium and studio over the past year, plus growing attendance figures for classes across a variety of arts disciplines and age ranges, the theatre has never been busier.

And the new plans, which include upgrading the facilities at Tweeddale's only purpose-built arts venue, have already gone on show at a public event.

Bosses have been hosting a number of fundraisers to help generate more cash, and these are set to continue in the coming months.

The next two events are a Celebration of the Music of Simon and Garfunkel on Friday, February 23; followed by Just Gin! on Friday, March 9.

This will give visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of small batch gin crafted by distillers from around Scotland, and will be hosted by Kate Macinnes – the founder and head distiller at Borders-based ginnery Lilliard.

Tickets for both events are available from Box Office on 01721 725777, or online at http://eastgatearts.com

The theatre’s Building on Success JustGiving page can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/eastgatetheatre