AN ARTS centre in Sanquhar has been officially reopened after major upgrades at the facility.

There have been three launches of the new A' the Airts Centre to ensure that everyone was given an opportunity to see the new premise - with this launch being the final one.

Previous events were held back in March and April, with a community-focused event and one for the kids to enjoy.

The most recent event was for official partners to see the hard work that has gone into extending and enhancing the facility, as over 80 people attended the event.

Cumnock Chronicle: Young helpersYoung helpers (Image: Andy McDowall)

Performers Claudia Wood, Alistair Innis and Rowan Hastie showed what talent there is in Upper Nithsdale, with the evening being started by a fantastic performance by Sanquhar Silver Band who played in the new outdoor area.

The centre has also just secured £84,000 from the Lottery Community Fund, spread over the next three years.

An understandably delighted centre manager Yvonne Barber said: “We have been very fortunate and thankful to have achieved this core funding from the Lottery towards core costs of running the centre.

Cumnock Chronicle: Sanquhar Silver Band Sanquhar Silver Band (Image: Andy McDowall)

"£28,000 for the next three years means that the centre is staffed and steady to keep offering the facility and events to the community.

"The Holywood Trust have also awarded £16,000 over the next two years for the work that is carried out with the young people of Upper Nithsdale.

"This funding assists massively with the work conducted with local schools and young people in the area."