The Fullarton

The Fullarton is a theatre and entertainment venue in Castle Douglas, a town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It occupies the former St Andrew’s Church, a building with high ceilings and generous space. The theatre opened in 1996 after local groups campaigned to save the old church. Donald Fullarton led the effort, supported by the Galloway Arts Project and local amateur dramatics clubs. Funding came from councils and the National Lottery, allowing the building to become a proper performance space. In 2013 it was refurbished to meet modern theatre standards and renamed in memory of Donald Fullarton. The theatre is worth visiting because it represents a community’s determination to keep the arts alive. Before The Fullarton existed, Castle Douglas had only the Little Theatre, which closed in the 1970s. The Galloway Arts Project revived the town’s cultural life, turning a disused church into a thriving venue. Donald Fullarton’s daughter, Morag Fullarton, later became a noted theatre and television director. The theatre now hosts plays, conferences and cinema screenings, supporting local clubs and festivals. It also stages events for the Scottish Community Drama Association. Visitors find a bright auditorium with good sightlines and modern facilities. The building retains features of the original church, including tall windows that fill the space with natural light. The stage area was redesigned during refurbishment to accommodate different kinds of performances. Local drama groups use the theatre for rehearsals and productions throughout the year. The venue also welcomes touring companies and film clubs, making it a lively part of the town. Castle Douglas benefits from having a cultural hub that brings people together for shared experiences.