02/10/2007 – Greenock’s own Richard Wilson said the people of Inverclyde needed to back plans for a new Arts Guild theatre.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele, the star of stage and screen said he believes Inverclyde needed a strong theatre and arts centre.

The actor and director said: “I think it’s very important that Greenock has an arts guild.

“I spent many happy days there in my youth and have very fond memories of it. I would hate to see it go under.

“I want the town to have a really good venue for putting on amateur and professional productions. Greenock is too small a town to maintain a touring company, so the Arts Guild is of great importance.

“I think local people will agree with me that they don’t want to have to lose the Arts Guild. The initiative using lottery funding should help to push things forward, but it needs the support and interest of the community to really get things on track.”

The theatre and arts centre was set to be moved from its original Campbell Street location to a site next to the historic East India harbour.

So far, the Scottish Arts Council has pledged £2.75m and Inverclyde Council announced it would offer £2m in principle.

But it was hoped a further £2m could be raised for the project through donations.

The Scottish star has urged the people of Greenock and Inverclyde to lend their support to the campaign and fight for the success of the theatre.

Richard also revealed he tries to visit Greenock as much as he can and always makes an effort to check in when he is in Scotland.

He said: “My sister is still in Greenock, so I’m back quite regularly. Whenever I’m in Scotland I try to look in on the town to see how much has changed.”

The campaign for a new arts venue eventually led to the construction of the Beacon Arts Centre.