The future of Vikingar! and Barrfields Theatre is safe in the hands of North Ayrshire Council but requires a new review, writes Drew Cochrane.

This was said by Dr Audrey Sutton, NAC Head of Communities who spoke at the recent AGM of the Barrfields Users' Group (BUG) at Vikingar!

Dr Sutton explained that the consultants' report from 2014 was now "dead in the water" because of two factors - the agreement to build the new Largs schools' super campus; and the new Scottish Government policy on transferring of council assets to public control.

NAC would now look to update the consultants' report but she assured the meeting that there was no threat to the Largs leisure facilities.

Dr Sutton told the BUG members who represent Largs Players, Youth Theatre, Operatic Society and Variations choral group that their hand would be strengthened because the Magnum theatre space in Irvine was being closed, leaving Barrfields as the only proper theatre in North Ayrshire.

Alternative theatre

However, she added that the council would want their views on whether the performing area at the new Largs Academy could be used as an alternative theatre.

"The swimming pool, KA fitness centre and theatre will not be replaced but we have not made enough of the relationships among KA Leisure (who operate Vikingar!), BUG and the council" she said.

Councillor Tom Marshall, a director of KA, reminded the meeting that in 1994 the Vikingar! visitor attraction was added to Barrfields to help get the money to modernise the building.

He added that £75,000 was being spent now on refurbishing the pool, changing rooms and fitness studio.

Dr Sutton pointed out that after 22 years they would look at new ways of telling the Vikings and Largs story, and that the building's accessibility would have to be improved.

Praising the work of the volunteer BUG group which has prompted many thousands of pounds of improvements to the theatre she commented: "What you provide is highly valued in Largs and people can afford it. I find coming to Barrfields theatre an inspiration."

Councillor Marshall said that although local people were annoyed that the consultants' report was kept confidential he could reveal that there were five options, ranging from £200,000 to £5 million.

He advocated putting the Barrfields Pavilion Theatre name outside of the building and putting the management of the theatre on a more formal footing with BUG.

KA Leisure senior manager, Lorne Campbell, said the board realised that the visitor attraction remained the same as it was 22 years ago and that the 80-seater Valhalladrome theatre was "a one trick pony."

Dr Sutton and Mr Campbell agreed that they would look at making Valhalladrome available for small productions and presentations, such as the traditional summer comedy theatre.

BUG chairman Ryan Moir thanked the NAC chief for coming to Largs to explain what had happened to the consultants' report.