In March 2023 the Trust was hit by devastating news that its performance spaces had to shut with immediate effect for structural surveys.
However, the programme of events is still taking place. The Trust has sourced temporary alternative venues in Musselburgh and Haddington.
In March 2023 the Trust was hit by devastating news that its performance spaces had to shut with immediate effect for structural surveys.
However, the programme of events has NOT been cancelled. The Trust has sourced temporary alternative venues in Musselburgh and Haddington.
The Brunton’s performance spaces are within the larger Brunton Hall which is still open for Council services and the Trust’s box office. The Bistro at The Brunton is also still open for business and is a popular spot for lunch and snacks.
“We are so grateful for the support and understanding shown by the performers booked to come to The Brunton. Brunton Theatre Trust has a long history of staging professional arts and entertainment events out and about around East Lothian and we are now working with our partners to ensure that the shows will go on. Whilst we are devastated at the temporary loss of our space at The Brunton, we are feeling very upbeat about sourcing alternative venues for our programme.”
Michael Stitt
Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust
In 2022 the UK Government advised all local authorities to check as a matter of urgency whether any public buildings in their estates have roofs, floors, cladding or walls made of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
RAAC is a lightweight form of precast concrete, frequently used in public sector buildings in the UK from the mid-1960s to at least the mid-1980s. It is mainly found in roofs, although occasionally in floors and walls. It is less durable than traditional concrete and there have been issues raised as a result, which could have significant safety consequences.
East Lothian Council started the process of identifying the possible presence of RAAC within their public buildings initially from building records. This was then followed by site inspections by Engineering Services and when RAAC was positively identified a specialist Chartered Structural Engineer was employed to work in conjunction with our Engineering Services Team to undertake a condition survey and risk assessment on the RAAC identified.
Structural issues have now been identified with roof areas covering all performance venues, the venue one bar area and Esk Rooms in The Brunton where RAAC in the form of Siporex roof slabs cover these particular building areas. From a safety perspective these areas now require to be removed from use to enable further survey work to be carried out.
The offices and the Bistro are not affected and so remain open for use.
