Universal Hall, Findhorn awarded £7000 by Screen Scotland
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A LOCAL entertainment venue has been awarded £7000 to help "strengthen cinema" in Moray.
The Universal Hall at The Park in the Findhorn Foundation is one of 24 projects across Scotland to be allocated finance from Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund, and will use it towards upgrading cinema equipment in its 400-capacity auditorium.
Universal Hall publicity officer, Dave Till, is delighted with the support.
He said: "The award will be used to buy surround sound equipment, greatly enhancing the sound quality and hence the enjoyment of the audience for films.
"Outline plans are already underway to screen some starting in August but these will be subject to Scottish Government guidelines about social distancing for cinemas and theatres."
Universal Hall was built by people visiting or living at the Foundation over 10 years and was opened in 1984. The auditorium is primarily used for music, drama, dance and mixed media shows and is a conference venue.
Video and slide projection are available onto a permanent cinema-sized five metre wide screen.
In line with the Scottish Government's Covid-19 guidance, all of the awarded projects could begin plans to welcome audiences from July 15.
Mr Till said: "There are no plans to open the hall to the public for performances before August.
"If the guidelines allow, the season of films will continue right through the autumn with more plans afoot to upgrade the screening equipment too. More details will be released when the team have worked out how to redesign the auditorium seating to match government guidelines.
"Meanwhile the team are very grateful to Screen Scotland for the grant which will kick start the upgrade."
