ABOUT US
Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust
Mac Arts is run by the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Duncan MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed in December 2011 to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art theatre, music and arts venue in the former St Andrew's Arts Centre, a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels; this space is now known as MacArts.
Our vision
Whilst MacArts is a work in progress, the Trust has already made sufficient improvements to ensure the building currently offers a viable venue that is fully functional and open for business. The long term aim of the Trust is to convert and fully refurbish this stunning former church building and create a vibrant, accessible, multi-purpose facility which will provide cultural, educational, recreational, economic and social benefits to local communities and visitors alike.
As well as this, the Trust is returning to community use a disused building which is in serious danger of falling into disrepair. Once renovated, the building will become an important asset to Galashiels and the central Borders. The long term viability of MacArts will rely on its diverse mix of uses, with community and cultural facilities backed with sound commercial activities. Already MacArts runs an extensive range of community events that support our local LGBTQ+ community, and local Mental Health and Addiction services
The building
MacArts is in the centre of Galashiels, close to the town’s High Street. Originally a church, the building was home to the St Andrew’s Arts Centre for many years before undergoing its current transformation by the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust.
The main hall is at ground floor level, offering an adaptable space which is used regularly for classes, workshops and rehearsals. It has a large raised stage area for performances and can be set up theatre style in rows, or cabaret style with tables and chairs and space for dancing.
There is also a large rear hall with a charming mezzanine seating area and side wing access to the stage area offering a useful backstage facility for performances. The rear hall which is also used as a pop up recording studio is an ideal space for exhibitions, classes, workshops and rehearsals which don’t require as much space as the main hall.
Development Proposal
The building is old and requires upkeep to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Any planned renovation and conversion work will be sympathetic to the building’s current external and internal appearance, preserving many of its original features and exquisite architectural detail, including a full restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows. We will use local trades and locally sourced materials where possible. We also plan to upgrade the existing electrical and heating systems to adopt renewable energy sources. We will re-use and recycle as many of the existing fixtures and materials as possible.
Mac Arts is run by the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Duncan MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed in December 2011 to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art theatre, music and arts venue in the former St Andrew's Arts Centre, a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels; this space is now known as MacArts.
Our vision
Whilst MacArts is a work in progress, the Trust has already made sufficient improvements to ensure the building currently offers a viable venue that is fully functional and open for business. The long term aim of the Trust is to convert and fully refurbish this stunning former church building and create a vibrant, accessible, multi-purpose facility which will provide cultural, educational, recreational, economic and social benefits to local communities and visitors alike.
As well as this, the Trust is returning to community use a disused building which is in serious danger of falling into disrepair. Once renovated, the building will become an important asset to Galashiels and the central Borders. The long term viability of MacArts will rely on its diverse mix of uses, with community and cultural facilities backed with sound commercial activities. Already MacArts runs an extensive range of community events that support our local LGBTQ+ community, and local Mental Health and Addiction services
The building
MacArts is in the centre of Galashiels, close to the town’s High Street. Originally a church, the building was home to the St Andrew’s Arts Centre for many years before undergoing its current transformation by the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust.
The main hall is at ground floor level, offering an adaptable space which is used regularly for classes, workshops and rehearsals. It has a large raised stage area for performances and can be set up theatre style in rows, or cabaret style with tables and chairs and space for dancing.
There is also a large rear hall with a charming mezzanine seating area and side wing access to the stage area offering a useful backstage facility for performances. The rear hall which is also used as a pop up recording studio is an ideal space for exhibitions, classes, workshops and rehearsals which don’t require as much space as the main hall.
Development Proposal
The building is old and requires upkeep to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Any planned renovation and conversion work will be sympathetic to the building’s current external and internal appearance, preserving many of its original features and exquisite architectural detail, including a full restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows. We will use local trades and locally sourced materials where possible. We also plan to upgrade the existing electrical and heating systems to adopt renewable energy sources. We will re-use and recycle as many of the existing fixtures and materials as possible.
Downloads
Accounts
Audited accounts 2022-23
Audited accounts 2021-22
Audited accounts 2020-21
Audited accounts 2019-20
Audited accounts 2018-19
Audited accounts 2017-18
Audited accounts 2016-17
AGM MINUTES
2020 AGM Minutes
Accounts
Audited accounts 2022-23
Audited accounts 2021-22
Audited accounts 2020-21
Audited accounts 2019-20
Audited accounts 2018-19
Audited accounts 2017-18
Audited accounts 2016-17
AGM MINUTES
2020 AGM Minutes
