Tain pictures a fresh future for former Picture House
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A DREAM of seeing an historic building brought back into use is set to come true for an Easter Ross community which has got right behind the project.
Volunteers recently applied elbow grease to the task of removing rows of old seats, lighting and staging from the former Tain Picture House to clear the main floor of the building in Tower Street so that rotting timber flooring can be removed and a new concrete floor laid.
Then, the doors will re-open to the public to reveal the building’s colourful history, eye-catching architecture and the plans to restore it as a cinema, performance venue and community asset.
The restoration project is backed by Tain Heritage Trust, Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust and the Tain and District Development Trust. Trustees and volunteers from the community were joined by members of Ross and Sutherland Rugby Club for the heavy work.
Derek Louden, Tain and Easter Ross councillor, and treasurer of Tain Heritage Trust, said: “Every councillor has a project that they want to see happen, and this is mine. I’ve walked past the building every day for pretty much all of my life and it’s always been boarded up. I know it’s a long project but it will be great to see this building open and thriving again.”
The Grade B listed building started as a town hall following its completion in 1876. It went on to become the town’s cinema and was renamed Tain Picture House in 1939. It closed to cinema goers in 1965.
Lachie Stewart, trustee at Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust, hopes new and safe access will allow more people to see inside and learn about restoration plans. “We need to get people behind this amazing project,” he said.
Local firm RNM Construction is the main contractor for the first phase of the project which was awarded £110,000 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund and £12,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund. Support from the SSE Beatrice Wind Farm Fund and the North Highland Initiative allowed for a business plan and feasibility study with a view to attracting larger funds required to turn the Grade B building into a creative arts venue.
