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[thegossip]

Details of the Scottish Arts Council's new method of funding arts organisations have been revealed over the past couple of days.

Basically, core funding is no longer available for any organisation from April 2007. But foundation funding (long term) and flexible funding (short term) are replacing this.

Unfortunately The Lemon Tree is not on either of these lists. It has been put on the "project funding" list, maning that they will have to apply for funds each and every time they do a specific project. They will only be able to use these funds for that particular project.

I had a look online at the SAC annual report. In 2004/05 the Lemon Tree received £173,000 from SAC. This will leave a massive hole in their budget, and following the recent revelations about the continuing financial crisis at West North Street, could it be all over before the fat lady is allowed to open her mouth?

Stay tuned.................

[Cloud]

It won't be the end. They might be forced to streamline their operations and cut down on the amount of staff, but it's unlikely to be the end. I can't imagine (particularly with 2007 being an election year) that ACC will pull the plug - but they may try and force the LT into being ran on a more commercial basis which, arguably, would do the world of good.

£173k is a lot of money, but look at the list of staff here -

http://www.lemontree.org/generalinfo....cfm?pageid=14

Some of them may very well get the chop - personally, I'm of the opinion that there's no need for so many staff when commercial entertainment businesses run with far less. Four bar duty managers, for instance? They could run with 3 quite easily.

I just can't see any way that the current administration is going to cut a popular venue - the Lemon Tree is part of Aberdeen, and the people responsible for funding it are not going to close the doors for fear of what the EE will do to them.

As far as the SAC goes - I think it'll be best to wait and see on that front.

[Toasty]

Three front of house managers ?


is that really necessary?

[thegossip]

I understand your thinking Cloud, but The Lemon Tree is no longer a priority for ACC either. They are looking for a new mid-scale venue and the Lemon Tree is not going to be it. I can guarantee you of that.

I agree with the comment about the staff list. There are so many, they have had to employ a Human Resources officer!

[Cloud]

Originally Posted by thegossip

I understand your thinking Cloud, but The Lemon Tree is no longer a priority for ACC either. They are looking for a new mid-scale venue and the Lemon Tree is not going to be it. I can guarantee you of that.

Looking for and committing to a new venue is two seperate things - I don't believe we'll see a replacement for the Tree anytime soon, especially after the debacle with the AECC. Whether or not it's a priority for them, I don't have a clue - but are they really, really going to risk the negative publicity by closing the doors?

I agree with the comment about the staff list. There are so many, they have had to employ a Human Resources officer!

That's absolutely ridiculous. I'm not going to idly speculate, but I think half of their problems comes from being so overstaffed. Cut the wage bill and cut costs and they'll be on their way to breaking even - heck, if Moshulu can manage it, surely the Lemon Tree can? Obviously they have a public service obligation, but surely they could seperate the commercial from the uncommercial activities?

The sooner someone puts their foot down and tells the LT to operate commercially, the better.

[Graeme]

Originally Posted by Cloud

... and tells the LT to operate commercially, the better.

Can any venue staging the range and quantity of arts on offer operate commercially? Where do you draw the line? HMT? The Music Hall? Scottish Opera?

[soundian]

Originally Posted by Calum The Philosopher

Three front of house managers ?


is that really necessary?

I'm pretty sure Marj doesn't work there anymore, I haven't seen her for ages.

[daveofficer]

Originally Posted by soundian

I'm pretty sure Marj doesn't work there anymore, I haven't seen her for ages.

surely not, marj IS the lemon tree! she was there at hogmany i think.

[soundian]

Originally Posted by daveofficer

surely not, marj IS the lemon tree! she was there at hogmany i think.

I was told months ago she'd left, maybe she's doing part-time/casual work.

[delboy]

i heard marj was leaving an all