THE Beacon has been given a massive £600,000 three-year cash boost after staging a successful appeal for public funding.

Greenock’s £10m waterfront venue is to receive the cash from Creative Scotland, joining its portfolio of regularly funded organisations from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2018.

The portfolio of companies has been selected to include a range of different types of organisations working across artforms and specialisms in different parts of Scotland.

This is the first time since the theatre opened that the funds have been open to application - so Beacon bosses say it is a considerable achievement to receive one of the largest awards up for grabs.

It is also welcome news following a turbulent period of cash woes and a succession of boardroom bust-ups.

Beacon chairman Allan Robertson said: “This is the first time that the Beacon has received revenue funding from Creative Scotland and it is recognition that the Beacon is delivering a quality arts programme for the Inverclyde community.

“I want to thank the chief executive officer Julie Ellen and all her staff for the excellent work at the Beacon since it opened 18 months ago.

“We still have a number of challenges at the Beacon but receiving this funding - in what is an extremely competitive funding environment with all other major theatres and arts venues throughout Scotland - is an endorsement that we are on the right road.”.

The £600,000 awarded is a contribution to The Beacon’s overall programme of work across the three year period.

Julie Ellen, its artistic director/CEO, said: “The funding awarded to The Beacon is hugely significant in securing the future for the presentation of arts activities, performances and exhibitions in Inverclyde.

“Since opening in January 2013 we have been working incredibly hard to offer a lively, high quality arts and entertainment programme as part of Scotland’s network of regional arts venues.

“This success means that we can continue to build on our achievements to date.” Inverclyde Council’s education and communities convener, Councillor Terry Loughran, also welcomed the cash injection.

He told the Telegraph: “The Beacon is fast gaining a solid reputation across the arts and cultural sector in Scotland.

“It is also being recognised as a top quality visitor attraction for Inverclyde.

“Creative Scotland is to be congratulated for recognising the value the Beacon can have to Inverclyde and Scottish cultural life, particularly when there is enormous pressure on their funds right across the country.”