A BORDERS theatre which has endured turbulent times is raising the curtain on a brighter future with a new face at the helm.

In September last year the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles received a £20,000 emergency loan from Scottish Borders Council.

The loan was agreed as the venue was suffering from “significant cash-flow issues”.

Now the theatre’s board of directors has announced the appointment of Fraser Morrison as the venue’s new general manager.

Fraser, former creative producer of Cumbernauld Theatre, took up his post on Monday (September 16) and is pledging to deliver a “positive vision for the future”.

Fran Swift, chair of the Eastgate’s board of directors, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Fraser to lead our staff team.

“His vision for the future of the Eastgate impressed us all at his interview and we look forward to working with him to deliver all sorts of creative opportunities in our wonderful theatre and the wider community.”

Fraser added: “I am thrilled to take on the role of general manager at the Eastgate Theatre.

“The opportunity to work with the community to guide the theatre into its third decade, with a fresh, exciting, and positive vision for the future, is incredibly appealing.

“In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with the local community and partners to shape my plans for the theatre’s growth and development.”

Fraser has worked in theatre across Scotland in various capacities as a performer, director, writer, and producer.

At Cumbernald Theatre he managed the delivery of in-house productions, supported and developed companies in residence, and led the artistic programming of the venue.

He added: “I am passionate about my responsibility to support and nurture both emerging and experienced professional creative talent in Scotland.

“Having previously worked in schools across the Borders with Young Enterprise Scotland, I am eager to build on those relationships and expand our partnerships.

“My experience at Cumbernauld Theatre has prepared me to raise Eastgate Theatre’s profile within the national infrastructure of Scottish theatres and to further its reputation for delivering high-quality artistic output.

“Peebles is a special place with a very dedicated local community, and I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.”