Restoration of historic Birks Cinema completed

A seven-year restoration project at the historic Birks Cinema has been completed, as the cinema re-opens to the public. The cinema, which originally opened in 1939, closed its doors as a cinema in 1982, before becoming an amusement arcade. In 2006, a £1.3 million restoration project began, led by The Friends of Birk Cinema group.

The new 100-seater cinema will show both new and classic films and will also act as a venue for cultural events, with management hoping to stage interactive exhibitions and live broadcasts of events such as ballets and operas. A spokesperson for the cinema said: 'What we can say for now is that we'll have some big Hollywood releases; some fantastic live opera, ballet and orchestral performances along with some new and exciting things like interactive exhibitions from the British Museum and further abroad.'

The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy PH15 2WH; tel: 01887 829141; visit the Birks Cinema website.

(Image copyright Jonathan Billinger)

Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories magazines, available in print and digital versions.

Sign up now for our FREE e-newsletter for more news stories, sneak previews, exclusive content and special offers.