It may not be time to roll out the red carpet just yet but the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy was still able to welcome the crowds.
As work continues to transform the art deco building into a state of the art facility, a select group of locals was yesterday given the opportunity to see the progress made so far.
Although it still resembles more of a construction site than a cinema, visitors were able to see how the project is coming to life, as well as being told what to expect next spring, when it is expected to open.
Among those enjoying the behind-the-scenes tour was Perthshire North MSP John Swinney, who said he was ”absolutely delighted” to be involved in the project.
He praised the work done by the Friends of the Birks Cinema group to make their dream a reality.
”The substantive construction work that has been going on has really brought the project to life,” he added.
”There has been such a huge effort to assemble the project and to secure the necessary resources to take this forward.
”I am sure the Birks will establish a prominent and exciting role in the local community and will be a great asset to Aberfeldy and the Highland Perthshire area.”
Last used as a cinema in the 1980s, the building was at the centre of a major fundraising effort to secure £1.8 million to bring it back to its original use.
The project has captured the imagination of the local community, as well as attracting Hollywood film star Alan Cumming as its patron.
When the refurbishment is completed, the barely recognisable building will feature a 101-seat screen, a digital system for showing films, capacity for live broadcast links and a caf bar.
The chairman of the Friends of the Birks Cinema group, Charlotte Flower, told The Courier that she has already pictured how the cinema will look.
She said: ”I came in here one day and imagined that it was up and running pretending that I had bought a ticket, I went upstairs to the caf and then headed through to the screen. It all seems very familiar and it’s really beginning to take shape.”