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Value of Highland theatre highlighted as local teenager urges aid for Eden Court


By Neil MacPhail

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Rachel Urquhart outside her beloved Eden Court Theatre. Picture: Gary Anthony.
Rachel Urquhart outside her beloved Eden Court Theatre. Picture: Gary Anthony.

A FORMER Eden Court Theatre drama student has urged the public to rally round the major arts and entertainment venue that has just partially reopened after a seven-month enforced closure due to Covid.

Rachel Urquhart (18), who took drama classes with Eden Court teachers, asked people to remember how much the venue has done for Inverness and the north, and give generously to the funding appeal she launched through a Just Giving page on social media with a target of £1000.

Miss Urquhart said she realised the amount was not much compared to the theatre’s projected loss of £350,000, but wanted to do her bit.

She added: “I haven’t set foot in Eden Court since February, and while thinking about the place and missing being there I decided to do something to give back during the Covid crisis.

“I have been part of the arts from a very young age, attending clubs and then taking subjects and sitting exams at school in subjects that are based on the arts. Drama wasn’t offered at my school Millburn Academy so I was taught at Eden Court and then after I sat my exams I went back for work experience.

“I had been following Eden Court closely on social media since lockdown and recently, when they had to cancel their pantomime, they posted a statement saying that this year they will lose approximately £350,000.

“I had always been aware that they are a charity that relies on donations but felt I should do something to help. I set up the online charity page and asked lots of drama friends to help me by sharing the page and donating what they could, and now I am trying to appeal to a wider audience who might be in a position to help.”

Miss Urquhart pointed out that the theatre has constantly been active on social media and supporting the public during these difficult times including transforming their Empire Theatre into a humanitarian response centre, sending food and resources to people all over the Highlands and Islands.

The Just Giving page is at www.justgiving.com/saveEC

Eden Court has opened its cinema and café bar but is not offering live performances yet.


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