Artistic Director and Chief Executive, February 2025

Exciting News, Big Plans & a Date for Your Diary!

At long last, we’ve had confirmation of our renewed Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland! It’s a huge relief to finally have some certainty, and we’re pleased that we’ve been awarded a small uplift in line with inflation. It’s not quite what we asked for, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be working on a new plan to make sure we can continue delivering the best possible work within the budget we’ve got.

The good news is that we’ve got an incredible lineup of new theatre commissions ready to go, and now that we have funding confirmed, we can start making them happen! We can’t wait to bring these new stories to life and get them out on tour—more on that soon.

At the same time, we’ll keep pushing for more funding for island-based arts and culture. The reality is, it costs a lot more to run a venue like ours on an island than it does on the mainland—whether it’s transport, heating, staffing, or just getting basic supplies delivered. The Scottish Government itself recognises that island life is 20–65% more expensive, and yet funding rarely reflects this. We firmly believe that arts and culture should be for everyone, no matter where they live, and we’ll keep making that case loud and clear.

But for now, it’s time to celebrate! Our brand-new writing residency space, production suite, and sensory space—funded by the Charlotte Aitken Trust and the Wooden Spoon trust—are ready, and we’d love you to come and see them. Join us at An Tobar on 20th March from 7pm for drinks, nibbles, a tour of the new spaces, and a fantastic gig to round off the evening. It’s going to be a great night, and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible.

We’re also about to launch a new round of Board Recruitment, so if you’d like to be part of shaping the future of An Tobar and Mull Theatre, we’d love to hear from you! Our trustees are a brilliant bunch—supportive, passionate, and committed to making sure we thrive. If that sounds like something you’d like to be part of, keep an eye out for more details soon.

And finally, on a personal note—I’ve just come back from a wonderful trip to Florence, where I spent time studying Italian and fine art. It was such a treat to immerse myself in the city’s incredible history and culture, and I came back feeling totally inspired. The only downside? I have no idea how I’m supposed to survive mornings without a pistachio croissant and a strong espresso now…

So, lots to look forward to and plenty happening behind the scenes—thank you, as always, for your support, and we hope to see you on 20th March!



Artistic Director and Chief Executive, January 2025

New Year, New Adventures at An Tobar and Mull Theatre

After what was an incredibly busy and productive year, the Christmas break gave the team at AT&MT a chance to catch their breath and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. It’s been lovely to start the New Year feeling rested and ready for what’s to come, which promises to be both exciting and full of challenges.

Personally, I spent the festive season with family—lots of fun, lots of laughter, and, if I’m honest, absolutely exhausting! There’s nothing quite like the chaos of a family Christmas, is there? But those moments of connection and joy are always worth it. Now, with the tinsel packed away and the mince pies a distant memory, I’m glad to be back at work and ready to take on the year ahead.

January has kicked off with some inspiring projects. At the moment, I’m working closely with Micah, our brilliant fundraiser, to put the finishing touches on an application to the British Council. We’re seeking support for an ambitious interdisciplinary project that will explore the folklore of the rainforests in both Scotland and Brazil. The idea of linking these two extraordinary environments through storytelling, music, and visual art is so exciting—it’s exactly the sort of work that showcases the connective power of creativity and celebrates the diversity of cultures and traditions. Here’s hoping we get the green light!

This month also brings a chance for me to recharge creatively. Last year, as part of my Clore Fellowship, I was reminded just how important it is to keep learning and exposing myself to new perspectives. Inspired by that, I’m heading to Florence for part of January to study Italian language and fine art as part of my holiday allowance. Florence is, of course, synonymous with artistic brilliance, and I can’t wait to soak up the inspiration of its Renaissance masterpieces and vibrant culture. It’ll be wonderful to step away from the usual routine and return with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm.

Of course, the big date circled on all our calendars is 31st January—the day we expect to hear Creative Scotland’s decision on Multi-Year Funding. This will be a pivotal moment for An Tobar and Mull Theatre. The uncertainty surrounding funding has required a lot of careful planning and contingency thinking, but we remain hopeful for a positive outcome. Once the decision is in, the rest of the month will be all about firming up our programme for 2025 and getting ready to hit the ground running.

As I look to the months ahead, I feel optimistic about the opportunities in store. Whether it’s launching bold new creative projects, welcoming more artists and audiences, or continuing to grow as a team, there’s so much to be excited about.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year—one filled with creativity, inspiration, and plenty of good things to come. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support. We couldn’t do what we do without you, and we’re looking forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

Artistic Director and Chief Executive, December

Looking Back, Moving Forward: December at An Tobar and Mull Theatre

As the year draws to a close, the past month has been one of reflection, hard work, and hope for the future at An Tobar and Mull Theatre. It’s a time of both challenge and opportunity, and as always, the incredible dedication of our team and supporters keeps me optimistic about what’s ahead.

This month, I’ve been working closely with Sue, our Chair of Trustees, to finalise our annual accounts. This year has presented unique challenges, particularly due to delays in Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding decisions, caused by wider uncertainties in the Scottish Government’s budget. These delays have naturally raised questions from our auditors about An Tobar and Mull Theatre’s status as a ‘going concern.’ It’s a sobering situation, but we’ve been proactive in putting every possible plan in place to ensure we’re ready to move forward in the best possible position when decisions are announced in January.

On a more positive note, I was heartened to see that the recent Scottish budget included additional funding for culture, with £54 million allocated by Creative Scotland for its Multi-Year Funding programme. This is an encouraging sign of support for the arts, and I remain hopeful that with a fair funding level from Creative Scotland, we will not only sustain our work but continue to flourish as a vital cultural hub in the Hebrides.

Amid the financial planning and strategic work, I’ve also been finding joy in the creative side of my role. I’ve been making plans to offer pottery workshops and drop-in sessions at An Tobar next year. My own practice as a potter has always been a source of immense happiness and grounding for me, and I’m excited to share that experience with as many people as possible. Whether someone is trying pottery for the first time or reigniting an old passion, I hope these workshops will spark the same joy I’ve found in working with clay.

Meanwhile, our development projects are progressing beautifully. The new production suite and writers’ residency facilities are taking shape, thanks in no small part to Louise, our Production Manager, whose design and project management skills have been invaluable. We’re deeply grateful to the Charlotte Aitken Trust for funding this work, which will allow us to nurture creativity and offer even more to our community and visiting artists.

On a personal note, I’m looking forward to spending some downtime with my family over the Christmas period. This year has brought its share of personal loss, and after a series of bereavements, the importance of being with loved ones feels all the more profound. I’m reminded to treasure these moments of connection, especially during this season of goodwill.

As we prepare to turn the page on 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone who has supported us this year. May your festive season be filled with joy, rest, and togetherness, and may 2025 bring hope and prosperity to us all. Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do this without you.

Artistic Director and Chief Executive, November

A Month of Reflection, Planning, and New Beginnings at An Tobar and Mull Theatre

As we near the end of the year, there’s a palpable sense of excitement—and a little nostalgia—in the air here at An Tobar and Mull Theatre. This past month has been all about preparing for the future while celebrating our community, creativity, and the legacy of those who have made a lasting impact on the arts in Mull.

One of our major projects involves temporarily closing our buildings over the winter to make way for some exciting developments. Over the next few months, our facilities will undergo a transformation to create a new writer’s residency space, a library, a production studio, and a sensory space. These additions will help us expand our artistic offerings and better serve our community in the years to come. Working alongside our Technical and Buildings Manager, Louise, has been incredibly rewarding. Her meticulous planning and scheduling will ensure that these improvements go smoothly. I’ve also had the pleasure of collaborating with Calum, our Visual Arts Curator, to select the winning artist for our mural commission—a project that will bring vibrant new life to one of our spaces.

Beyond the renovations, I've been connecting directly with our community by offering free pottery lessons from the small studio we’ve set up at An Tobar. Sharing my craft with others has been deeply fulfilling. This month was especially poignant, as I attended the funeral of Pete Walker, affectionately known as "Pete the Potter." When I first arrived on Mull, Pete welcomed me warmly, offering me space in his studio at Mull Pottery until I could establish my own. His generosity and kindness left a lasting mark on me, and I feel privileged to carry his spirit forward by teaching others. Looking ahead, we’re planning to offer formal pottery workshops next year, so keep an eye out for those opportunities.

This month also took me to Birnam Arts for a conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), co-sponsored by TRACS, Creative Scotland, and Museums and Galleries Scotland. For those unfamiliar, ICH refers to the practices, expressions, and knowledge passed down through generations—everything from storytelling to traditional crafts. Now that Scotland has adopted UNESCO’s convention on ICH, it’s more important than ever that An Tobar and Mull Theatre, as the only producing arts centre in the Hebrides, plays a significant role in this national conversation. I’m eager to explore how our work can preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our region.

Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn at An Tobar without a bit of festivity. Our end-of-season staff party was a night to remember, featuring a delicious curry from The Spice of Mull and a brilliantly crafted quiz by team members Eug and Scott. I was on pudding duty and made a crumble with local apples kindly harvested by Lucille from our café team. Nothing like sharing a meal to bring everyone together and reflect on all we’ve accomplished.

Lastly, I’ve been collaborating with our General Manager Karen and the café team to plan an improved menu for spring. We’re working on hearty, home-cooked dishes and flavours that you won’t find anywhere else on Mull.

As we prepare for this new chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for our team, our supporters, and everyone who makes An Tobar and Mull Theatre a vibrant cultural hub. Here’s to a bright future!

Artistic Director and Chief Executive, October 2024

October has been quite the whirlwind, filled with travel, planning, and inspiring meetings – but I’ve come back to Mull energised and ready for the months ahead. It’s always good to take stock of everything that’s been happening, so here’s a little update on what I’ve been up to this month at An Tobar and Mull Theatre.

Firstly, the big news across the arts sector has been the delay in Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding announcement. Originally, we were expecting the details this autumn, but due to ongoing uncertainty around the Scottish Government’s budget, it’s been pushed back until the end of January. For us, that means adjusting our plans for next year. I’ve been developing a few contingency ideas to ensure that our artistic programme stays as flexible as possible. We may need to delay or restructure some projects, but we’re approaching this with optimism and creativity. It’s a challenging moment, but also an opportunity to think more dynamically about how we continue delivering great work, no matter the circumstances.

Closer to home, I’ve been meeting with several brilliant individuals who are potential new trustees for AT&MT. It’s vital for our organisation to have trustees with specialist skills, particularly as we look ahead to a period of growth and development. I’m excited about the possibility of bringing new expertise onto the board and look forward to their appointments. Having a strong team of trustees behind us is one of the most important factors in our ongoing success, and it’s a real pleasure to meet people who share our vision for the future of the arts on Mull.

In a more personal but equally thrilling update, I’ve just returned from two weeks in Marseille, attending the Actoral Festival as part of a British Council project aimed at building stronger cultural ties between the UK and France. The festival was a fantastic experience. I had the chance to meet an incredible range of international artists and see some really inspiring work. One of the most interesting aspects was comparing the structure of French arts organisations with what we’re used to in the UK. They face many of the same challenges, but with different approaches, which gave me some new perspectives. And of course, I can’t deny that the sunshine, excellent food, and French wine were all very welcome bonuses. I’ve come back to Mull feeling refreshed and inspired for the winter ahead!

Lastly, I had the honour of attending my Clore Leadership Fellowship graduation in London this month. It was wonderful to reconnect with my fellow Fellows and celebrate the end of our journey together. On top of that, I attended Clore Leadership’s 21st birthday celebration, which brought together some of the most exciting and influential figures in the UK’s cultural sector. It was a joy to be part of that, and it left me feeling even more committed to pushing forward bold, creative leadership in the arts.

So, it’s been a busy month! I’m looking forward to settling back into life on Mull and getting stuck into planning all the brilliant things we’ve got lined up for next year. Watch this space—there’s lots to look forward to!