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Birks Cinema project still has ‘a mountain to climb’

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Despite a massive financial boost, the group behind plans to regenerate a Highland Perthshire cinema have said there is “still a mountain to climb.”

The Friends of the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy have been pledged £658,620 from the Scotland Rural Development Programme.

The money is half the amount needed to carry out the project, which will breathe new life into the disused 1939 building, in the town’s central square.

However, the Friends must match the funding by the end of the year if the ambitious plan is to become a reality.

Chairwoman Charlotte Flower said, “This is a magnificent gesture of support for the whole area.

“A new cinema at the heart of our community will be great for everyone who lives here and everyone who visits and, by adding to the attractions of Highland Perthshire, it will benefit local businesses too.”

Although the SRDP grant announcement is reason to celebrate, Ms Flower has cautioned that it does not make the reopening of the cinema a certainty.

She said, “If we can’t find the remaining sum needed to carry out the work, the SRDP offer will be withdrawn.

“There’s still a mountain to climb.”

The Friends bought and began work on the property last year with an initial grant from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Plans for the cinema include a 101-seat auditorium, digital technology and a cafe-bar open all day.

The auditorium will have the flexibility to serve as a venue for live performances and talks as well as film, and the cinema will be run as a community enterprise that will it is hoped become an arts hub for the area.

Although it is still a shell, the local film society showed a movie there late last year, offering a taste of what may come.

The Friends plan to apply to other grant-givers and also aim to raise a substantial amount through local fund-raising.

Ms Flower said, “Now is the time to join them, if you possibly can, and help get the cinema built.”

For details of how to become involved visit www.birkscinemafriends.org.uk.

Providing full grant funding can be obtained, an earliest opening date would be spring next year.