We, the undersigned, insist that East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government ensure that, should the Brunton Halls be demolished, a new arts facility is built in its place. The existing Brunton Halls has been the beating heart of arts and theatre in East Lothian for decades. It is where so many actors, dancers and musicians took their first steps on their performing journey. It is where countless children have enjoyed an annual visit to the pantomime. It is where the people of East Lothian and the surrounding area for so many years have experienced high quality professional theatre, dance, concerts and cinema.

The significant economic impact for Musselburgh and the surrounding area having a thriving theatre and arts centre cannot be underestimated. Investment in a new Brunton Theatre and Arts Centre will bring undoubted financial and economic benefit for businesses in Musselburgh and in East Lothian as a whole,

As the fastest growing region in Scotland with an ever increasing population, East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government must act to ensure that East Lothian continues to have a centre dedicated to the promotion of the arts - otherwise, the region will become a cultural wasteland with the poorest facilities for theatre and music in over half a century and also,  in comparison with the rest of the Central Belt in Scotland.

The arts in East Lothian truly do matter and we ask our leaders to show ambition and vision in committing to replacing the Brunton with a new fit-for-purpose performing arts facility for the years ahead