BOSSES at the Beacon Arts Centre say it is now on ‘a sound financial platform’ after paying off an outstanding bill to its builders.

Allan Robertson, who has been unanimously reappointed as chairman of Greenock Arts Guild, which owns and operates the centre, said it had been ‘another very successful year’.

He said: “The past year has been very challenging, however I’m very pleased that, with the support of Inverclyde Council and the Scottish Government, we paid the £2 million bill and we are now on a sound financial platform.

“However like every other regional theatre in Scotland, ongoing funding will always be a priority for us, and we continue to look for new sources.”

He also announced the Beacon had become a Scottish Living Wage Employer, paying a minimum of £8.20 hour for employees, irrespective of their age or hours of working.

Chief executive Jackie Shearer added: “We have new plans to develop audiences and provide even more high quality creative activities.”