Scottish Government throw Moray Playhouse cash lifeline

MORAY Playhouse cinema in Elgin has been awarded almost £150,000 in emergency funding.

It is among 30 independent cinemas and two touring operators serving communities across Scotland to receive £3.55 million from the Scottish Government’s Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund and The National Lottery, through Screen Scotland.

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.”

The £149,583 allocated to Moray Playhouse was warmly welcomed by Caledonia Cinemas, who run the facility.

Gavin Mackenzie from Caledonia Cinemas said: "The fantastic support from the Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund will protect jobs and allow us to keep serving the Moray community over the challenges of the winter.

"We are grateful to our customers who support us and for the feedback that our adjustments make them feel safe when they visit the cinema."

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