A Hollywood A-lister has joined the campaign to help save a Perthshire cinema which is “teetering on the brink of closure.”
Goldeneye, Spy Kids and X2 star Alan Cumming has joined the fight to save The Birks Cinema in in his hometown of Aberfeldy.
Cumming, 55, is patron of the community cinema where the team have been fundraising to secure the future of the Dunkeld Street venue.
Staff revealed that they have received over £21,000 in donations over the past month alone, which they say is “staggering.”
And this weekend, Alan added his voice to the campaign, releasing a video message on social media.
He said: “The Birks Cinema is an amazing community cinema and I’m proud to be it’s patron, but it’s not just a cinema.
“It’s so much more than that, providing a safe, welcoming space for many across the area and an incredible array of charitable and community projects for a huge range of individuals and groups.”
He said: “Lego for children with special needs and chair-based movement for older people are just two of the activities run and organised by the cinema team that provide a lifeline to many in the area.
“Arts and film provide their own lifeline too, of course, and The Birks really does bat above its weight, with an impressive programme of independent titles and mainstream blockbusters. Something, indeed, for everyone.”
The team are not only trying to keep the business afloat just now, but are future-proofing for what will not be an easy restart.
Bosses say they won’t be able open at full capacity when lockdown does end as it will be a “cautious atmosphere”.
But the team have had success with applying for government grants and are hugely appreciative off all the public donations.
“But with the unprecedented situation resulting from coronavirus, The Birks has been hit hard,” Alan added. “The doors have been closed and we don’t know when they’ll reopen.
“Closing the doors to this venue has a much wider impact than just not showing some great films. The future of this amazing small art space is teetering on the brink of closure.
“I’m asking you to help if you possibly can. Please donate to keep the cinema going and reopen again.
“We’re asking you to truly help save our cinema. Your loyalty now will allow the Birks to continue building a sustainable vibrant future.”