The Scottish Youth Theatre has secured funding which will allow it to continue beyond the summer

A charity which had faced closure has received emergency funding.

The Scottish Youth Theatre announced earlier this month that it would have to shut after seeing its grant from Creative Scotland slashed.

However the Scottish Government has now stepped in to provide £150,000, which will help the theatre remain open past July.

The charity has also secured a similar amount in private sponsorship, and will continue to operate throughout the rest of the year.

The theatre's future was thrown into doubt only weeks ago when bosses said that Creative Scotland funding cuts meant the group faced losing a third of its required income for 2018-2021.

Culture secretary Fiona Hislop said the grant would give the organisation the chance to identify long-term funding.

“The Scottish Youth Theatre has supported many young actors and other theatre professionals to find their voice and launch their careers,” she said. “There was widespread concern about the announcement that the theatre was facing closure due to its financial position.

“This funding from partners will allow the theatre to maintain its work, and complete the ongoing positive changes to their business. It will also give time for further dialogue about a longer-term funding strategy.”

The theatre's 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.

"This solution would not be possible without the support from Baillie Gifford (a financial firm) and a number of private sector organisations and individuals.

"Furthermore, the first minister and cabinet secretary have shown a great willingness to explore every option for Scottish Youth Theatre and we are very grateful for their time and efforts and their clear commitment to youth arts in Scotland."