Emergency funding to secure the immediate future of Independent Cinemas in Tayside, Fife and Angus

The Fund, which aims to bridge the immediate financial gap faced by independently owned cinemas as a result of COVID-19, will now support these cinemas who can operate in the short-term, within Scottish Government guidelines, and help others towards reopening, when it is safe to do so. 

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture said: “We understand the severe impact this pandemic has had on businesses across Scotland, including our independent cinemas which play such an important role in communities across the country.  

“We have had to make some really difficult decisions recently that will impact on cinemas which have worked so hard to re-open safely, but we have to put health considerations above everything else and I hope this funding, along with the business support that will be available, will help independent cinemas cope with all the challenges they face.    

“Culture is vitally important to all of our lives, and we are determined to do everything within our powers to see the sector through this crisis. This fund is part of the ongoing financial support the Scottish Government is making available to the sector.” 

Sambrooke Scott, Head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland said: “Independent cinemas have always played a vital role in communities across Scotland, bringing people together to immerse themselves in great film experiences from filmmakers around the world, and around the corner.  

“It’s been the most challenging of times for these hard-working venues but, with the help of this Scottish Government and National Lottery support, they will continue to open and operate safely as local restrictions allow. By putting stringent measures in place to protect staff and audiences alike they will open where able and bring the magic and escapism of cinema back, which is something we need now more than ever.” 

David Morris from the New Picture House in St Andrews said: "This means so much to the cinema and staff and all involved. We were reaching a crossroads in the situation where it was difficult to see any way we could viably reopen the business in the foreseeable future. Following the great news of the funding we are already planning to open our doors again very soon."

Andrew Henderson from Chalmers Arbroath Cinema said: "This grant will help cinemas to Survive and keep our dedicated  cinema staff bring a safe enjoyable experience with all Genre of films securing a social local hub enjoyed over past few years."

Graeme Reekie from Kino Cinemas said: "The news that both the Kino Glenrothes and Leven have been successful in receiving funding from the Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund has granted us a much needed lifeline in these difficult times. Since reopening in August our admissions have been a fraction of what they normally are, therefore we have not been able to meet our vast overheads. This funding will help us enormously to help our business survive these very difficult times and allow these important community assets to the area remain screening films to future generations.”

Beth Bate, Director at the DCA said: "This funding could not have come at a more critical time for DCA, helping support and protect our cinema - a vital part of the city's cultural offer and economy, and a social lifeline for many, particularly during these unprecedented times. We are incredible grateful to Screen Scotland for this support."

Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said: "It is great news that independent cinemas in Mid-Scotland and Fife are to receive support from the Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund.  Although these cinemas are beginning to re-open and welcome back audiences to enjoy all they have to offer, it is still in a restricted way.  I very much welcome this fund that will support independent cinemas in our communities, and see them continue to provide a quality and entertaining experience."

Dean Lockhart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said: "‘’The ongoing pandemic has made it even more clear how vital independent cinemas are to communities across Mid-Scotland and Fife. Just like all local arts organisations they act as lifelines for their communities and for the people that work in them.

‘’For example, I have visited the MacRobert Centre at the University of Stirling many times so I am fully aware of the importance of independent cinemas and the support they also give to local volunteer groups.

‘’I am therefore delighted that Screen Scotland have been able to put this package of emergency funding together through the Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund, which will not only protect vital jobs across the industry in the short term but also go some way to sustaining these venues in the long term.’’

Recipients of the Fund are: 

Updates on all emergency funds are being published regularly on this website and publicised through media and social media communications.