Prospect of Highlands losing Screen Machine 'unthinkable' says Sutherland MP as cinema-on-wheels campaign stepped up
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SCOTLAND's culture secretary is being asked to put a Highland mobile cinema in the frame for funding support.
The appeal comes from Far North MP Jamie Stone who describes the Screen Machine as "a cornerstone of community life in many parts of the Highlands and Islands".
It is a regular visitor to Sutherland with recent outings to Lairg, Golspie, Durness and Bettyhill.
The Screen Machine marks its 25th anniversary this year, but the operators have said, whilst this is a cause for celebration, there is reason for concern.
The service's purpose-built vehicle is currently out of action after 17 years, and at the moment they are being leased a temporary cinema by Screen Scotland, but this runs out in April 2024.
Regional Screen Scotland, the Screen Machine's operators has said that it will cost approximately £1.4m to build a new one.
Customers have now been asked to lobby to MSPs and councillors to secure funding for a new cinema.
Jamie Stone has written to Scotland’s culture secretary, Angus Robertson, calling on him to take action to address the fate of the Screen Machine.
The cinema on wheels has been touring more than 40 of Scotland’s most remote communities - bringing them the latest blockbuster films. In the North Highlands, communities such as Lochinver, Durness and Lairg benefit from the service.
However, as of April next year, the continued success of the Screen Machine looks uncertain. The service will no longer have access to a functioning mobile cinema and, as such, a new vehicle needs commissioning. The high costs involved in this venture mean that, without Scottish Government support, it is likely the Screen Machine will be wound down.
Stone has asked Robertson to meet with representatives from the Screen Machine and explore potential funding options as a matter of urgency.
A spokesperson from Regional Screen Scotland, operators of the Screen Machine, said: “Communities in the Far North represent a core part of Screen Machine’s touring circuit. We have loved bringing movies for 25 years, and we appreciate the enthusiasm that our customers have shown us.
"We sincerely hope that we can continue to do so for many years to come, but this will only be achievable with the continued support of political representatives and the public.”
Stone said: "The Screen Machine is a cornerstone of community life in many parts of the Highlands and Islands. For years it has not only brought the latest films to our communities but it has injected a new aura of life: connecting people and instilling a greater sense of place.
"In many parts of our region, the Screen Machine is the only cultural anchor with people being faced with a six-hour round trip to access the nearest theatre, cinema or exhibition.
"It is simply unthinkable that the Scottish Government would allow such a phenomenal service to go under – impacting almost every corner of rural and island Scotland.
"I am urging Scotland’s culture secretary, in the strongest possible terms, to take definitive action to safeguard the future of not just the Screen Machine but the communities throughout Scotland who benefit from its work”.
Have YOU attended a Screen Machine movie show? What's your view of the service – and what was your most memorable experience at a screening? Email us and let us know! newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
