SCOTTISH ministers caved in to pressure today and announced a £150,000 grant to save the Scottish Youth Theatre.

The arts project had announced that it had “no other realistic option but to cease trading” after its funding application was turned down by Creative Scotland in January.

Scottish Labour culture spokeswoman Claire Baker said the prospect of closure was a “disgrace” that would limit “opportunities for the next generation.”

But today, the Scottish government announced that a “short-term funding agreement” would allow the theatre to “remain open beyond July 2018, allowing young people across the whole of Scotland to benefit from their programmes.”

The theatre said it would “engage with experts from across the cultural and business sectors” to secure longer-term funding.

Holyrood’s Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I have set out this offer to the Scottish Youth Theatre, and I have encouraged them to continue exploring all options available to secure a more permanent funding solution.”

Scottish Youth Theatre chief executive Jacky Hardacre said: “With a future now secured for Scottish Youth Theatre, our focus is firmly on ensuring the nation’s young people have their own thriving national theatre company to engage with, be inspired by and to aspire to be a part of.”

The theatre runs programmes for children and young people aged between three and 25. Though based in Glasgow, it offers drama, singing and dance programmes across Scotland, including weekend and residential courses . 

Adam Adnyana, Scotland organiser at performers’ union Equity, said: “Equity welcomes investment in and funding for theatre and the creative industries.”