VENUE
The Merse is an accessible venue located on Lochancroft Lane in the heart of Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town. The venue was purchased by The Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative in March 2025 to secure its future for the community. It acts as bookable community venue, and creative arts hub.
The Merse has WiFi, different staging options, and a range of audio/visual support and equipment for hire, making it a flexible and accessible space for all sorts of events.
THE MERSE
The building currently has one large main hall, a smaller hall, stage, 'green room', kitchenette, toilets, accessible toilet, outside grassed area and on-site parking for up to eight cars. The building is wheelchair accessible. Tables and chairs can be placed according to your requirements.
EVENTS
As well as events run by The Merse team, performers can book the space and run their own ticketed event. The Merse can be hired by community users at a standard rate of £10 per hour. Discounts for block bookings and multiple rooms are available.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
The flexible space, with good natural daylight, makes an ideal venue for rehearsal space, workshops, tuition & teaching. There is space for a breakout room or to use as a green room or private dressing area.
WORKING ON IT!
The Merse building will be undergoing some improvement works as we move through 2025. This will include replacement windows and doors and additional storage for regular user groups to house the large pieces of sports equipment and the toddler's toys and play equipment.
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The W&BCI is working hard to make the building greener and more efficient to run. In time The Merse will be fitted with the necessary acoustic and flexible seating to make it a true multi-purpose venue and a brilliant place for entertainment and growth.
We will keep the community updated on developments through the website and newsletter, and advise any users directly. The improvement works will be a staged and carefully managed process to minimise impact on nearby residents and regular user groups.
