The Iris in Ayr is facing an expensive repair bill after people broke into its partially restored building through a window. The cinema and arts company said the incident happened on Thursday, August 27, earlier in the week covered by the report.
The people involved were described by The Iris as “explorers”. They allegedly entered the building using a ladder after breaking a window in full view of the street. The premises are currently being restored.
Thanks for local support
The Iris said local people contacted the organisation early in the morning after the break-in. It also thanked Police Scotland and neighbouring organisations for their assistance.
“A group of 'explorers' have brazenly made their way into our building, breaking the window in full street view.”
The company said it was encouraged by the concern shown by people locally for the building, which is intended to provide arts and entertainment opportunities that are inclusive.
Listed-building repair costs
The immediate consequence for The Iris is the need to arrange and fund a replacement window. The company warned that repairing a window in a listed building involves significant cost, as well as time spent on planning and administration.
The incident affects a building being restored for The Iris’s arts and cinema ambitions. The source does not state whether anyone has been identified, arrested or charged, and it does not provide a confirmed repair timetable.
The Iris invited people to remain engaged with its work, while the report also included a request for readers to submit news and photographs.