Eden Court’s unique partnership with the Highland Council continues as the Empire Theatre has been transformed into the region’s humanitarian aid centre.

IMAGE: Jane Barlow

During Eden Court’s period of closure, it has been vitally important for us to find new ways to serve the community. Following on from our support of the Highland Council at the beginning of their Covid-19 resilience response, the latest development in our ‘reimagining’ of Eden Court has been to convert our Empire Theatre into the Highland humanitarian aid centre.

IMAGE: Jane Barlow

Every week, over 1000 food parcels are packed on our stage, before being distributed across the Highlands by a team of volunteers. These parcels then go out to people shielding across the region.

David Haas, Chair of the Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey, Nairn Emergency Liaison Group said: 

“Highland Council needed to continue its resilience work and Eden Court has provided the ideal solution backed up by very helpful support from Eden Court staff and volunteers. It feels right to use the Highland’s own iconic arts facility for the purposes of supporting our communities at times of their greatest need.”

James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive of Eden Court, said:

“Remaining at the heart of the Highland’s response to the global pandemic is incredibly important to us. Whilst we can’t currently put shows on our stages we will do all we can to ensure our building and our staff provide support and assistance to the protection and recovery of the communities we serve."

IMAGE: Jane Barlow