But the NEC Group pulled out of running it last year, leaving it empty and leaving the council looking for a new operator.

He said their relationship with humans meant they were "looking for their food on a plate" and likely wanted to be rescued.

The connection between two of the team’s top decision makers built a steady foundation for potential free agents looking for opportunities this offseason.

Over the course of a year, BBC Scotland News has attended numerous drop-in meetings between the centre's staff and local residents looking for information about the scheme.

Even before the fires, he said he was already getting two to three calls a week from production designers, editors, costume designers and others looking for work.