JK Rowling makes donation to Perthshire town hall

JK Rowling has donated an unspecified amount toward the renovation of Aberfeldy Town Hall . Picture: PA

The Edinburgh-based writer has backed ambitious plans to turn Aberfeldy Town Hall, Perthshire, into a music and drama venue.

The hall’s management team confirmed Rowling, who has a home near the town, made a “generous” donation. but they revealed they are “not allowed” to disclose how much the Scot donated towards the £1.5 million project.

The local community won the right of ownership in May after a five-year battle and plan to turn it into a 182-seat venue.

Ian Menzies, of Locus Breadalbane, who manage the town hall, said: “It’s going to be a wonderful resource for the community.

“It’s what we’ve been working towards over the last few years after buying it from the council.

“We are now bringing it into the 21st Century and are fundraising for that.

“The refurbishment of the B-listed building will cost £1.5m but we had a generous donation from JK Rowling.

“We are not allowed to say how much it is.”

A spokeswoman for the author confirmed she had made a donation to the project but declined to comment further.

The SSE Griffin and Calliacher Community Fund provided £75,000 to buy the hall after Perth and Kinross Council deemed it surplus to requirements.

Locus Breadalbane, a charitable group, has submitted a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council to transform it into a 182-seat venue.

Documents presented to council planners show two existing flats in the building will be ripped out and the space used to house a lesser hall, kitchen, green room and toliet facilities.

External sheds and an older extension will be demolished, with two new building enlargements being made.

Mr Menzies added: “The redevelopment of the hall, improving the heating, lighting, insulation and sound, will also include enhanced facilities for all the groups who currently support it.

“Whilst providing additional facilities for nursery and youth groups.

“Local fundraising is proving successful, the recent thrift shop raised £1,300, with continuing support from the community and town hall user groups looking to arrange their own functions in the hall in order to raise funds.

“This and local area support will be an important aspect of the funding process.”

The building was presented to the town, by the third Marquis of Breadalbane, to commemorate Aberfeldy’s elevation to Burghal status in 1887.

Work commenced in 1889 and the Town Hall Buildings were opened on 5th December, 1891.