A meeting between the Culture Secretary and Regional Screen Scotland is to take place on 5th of October to consider the funding and future of The Screen Machine.

The Scottish Government’s Angus Robertson told MSPs:

” I will meet Regional Screen Scotland on 5 October to hear directly about the challenges facing the future of Screen Machine. I recognise the valuable role that Screen Machine plays in bringing cinema to rural communities for which access to culture is limited, and I note the £176,000 funding that Screen Scotland provided to Screen Machine earlier this year, which is allowing Screen Machine to lease a temporary replacement cinema until April 2024.”

The Screen Machine has provided audiences across rural and island communities with the opportunity to watch films and is much appreciated by the areas it has served for over 25 years.

Orkney Constituency Liam McArthur, LibDem, has welcomed the move by the Culture Minister. He said:

Mr McArthur said:

“I know from personal experience how valuable the Screen Machine has been to communities in Orkney and across the Highlands & Islands over the past 25 years. It has proved to be a much loved and well-used cultural asset, offering opportunities to enjoy the big screen experience to people who would otherwise struggle to get to a cinema.

“I know from my own mailbag how concerned many constituents are at the potential loss of the Screen Machine, which is due back in Orkney next Spring. I’m pleased, therefore, that the Cabinet Secretary plans to meet Regional Screen Scotland next week and hope these discussions pave the way to securing Screen Machine’s future.”

Alasdair Allan the Constituency SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has also spoken of the value and affection islanders have of the Screen Machine.

He said:

“Screen Machine is a much-cherished service, as we have heard, for people who would otherwise have to travel hundreds of miles to get to a static cinema.”

He also asked that a new greener vehicle be purchased for the future of the mobile cinema.

Fiona Grahame