From the archives: Start for National Theatre; 22 August 2003
A decision to start the project will be made public after the parliament reconvenes next month, despite fears that any move would be held over to 2004, pending the Executive’s national arts review. These concerns were scotched by a well-placed source last night, and the first tranche of money, up to £1 million, will be used to appoint a chairman, board and artistic director, and, almost certainly, for an opening production. The national theatre plan, endorsed by the last Scottish administration, would see a commissioning body recruiting the skills of existing companies for a national theatre director. Dr Donald Smith, who chaired the steering group, said: “If the Executive is serious about presenting Scottish culture, it needs a champion like a national theatre.”