I write about the terrible news of the proposal to demolish The Brunton theatre in the heart of Musselburgh.

The Brunton has been part of my life since I was 21 years old, so that is 33 years!

I was in youth theatre and in more recent years one of the longest-standing members of the Brunton Players.

I also lived round the corner from it for over seven years and loved turning that corner and seeing it there in the distance.

This building is iconic and is loved by many people, both locals and visitors.

It is a vital community and social space due to its lovely cafe and is a lovely wedding or funeral venue. It hosts parts of the Musselburgh Festival and serves as council offices.

READ MORE: Council intends to demolish the Brunton Hall

Surely it would be better to start fundraising to save this very precious building instead of throwing it away to save money?

Apparently it will take over £3 million to demolish, so how much more would be needed to save it?

Why must the powers that be in this world always rush to do away with our history? What would be going in the empty hole left by The Brunton? A faceless chain hotel, perhaps, or faceless flats, or maybe a nice park?

Let the people, the locals, speak and decide what is best for a venue that has been the heart and soul of Musselburgh for a very long time.

How can The Brunton Pantomime go on without The Brunton theatre?

How can so many memories be lost because the high heid yins prefer the easiest and cheapest option?

Let’s all stand tall and defend this wonderful, historic building so it can remain for the generations to come whose mums and dads trod those boards before them.

Bronwyn Matthew

Prestonpans