RISING costs and a funding gap have placed West Kilbride's Barony Centre under threat of closure.

The Barony's board warned today that the arts and community centre could shut for good due to soaring energy bills and lack of funding.

Chair Billy Dunn said a closure would be "devastating" for the village and North Ayrshire.

And a fund-raising site has now been launched to help the Barony survive.

The centre and studios in the village are managed by the volunteer board of West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited. The initiative employs nine people part-time across the gallery, shop and café. 

A dedicated team of more than 50 committed volunteers from West Kilbride and across Ayrshire also support the day-to-day running of the venue.

The initiative is the umbrella organisation for Craft Town Scotland, the West Kilbride Environmental Group and the recently established Media Studios.

Initiative board chair Mr Dunn, said: “Due to rising energy bills and fewer funding opportunities for charities and community groups the Barony is under threat.

“The board is working hard to close a funding gap over the coming months, but we need community support.

“West Kilbride is Scotland’s Craft Town and the Barony and studios are a huge part of that. It would be devastating for North Ayrshire if the Barony had to close.

“The board’s aim is to ensure financial sustainability for the Barony but the current funding environment means we need to raise money.”

Board member Fiona MacIntosh said: “We know it’s incredibly tough for charities and community groups struggling to survive.

“It would be a hammer-blow for West Kilbride and North Ayrshire if the Barony were to close.

“But the board and community will do everything we can to ensure a sustainable future for the Barony, Craft Town Scotland and West Kilbride Community Initiative.”

West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited was established 25 years ago to regenerate the area by creating Craft Town Scotland.

Over the following years, the initiative with support from funders bought or was gifted nine studios. In 2012 the Barony was opened after a major fund-raising and refurbishment programme to provide a focal point for the community and Craft Town Scotland.

Current efforts to raise funds include a renewed programme of events in the Barony such as arts classes, life drawing, and concerts.

Last month’s Late-Summer Madness - a family event run in partnership with local arts group Vertex - raised much needed funds from the community.

The board is also developing the café offer, working with Business Gateway on the initiative’s operating model and maximising external funding bids and applications.

To support fund-raising efforts, visit ​justgiving.com/campaign/support-the-barony