The Reel Deal… S p e c i a l
k e e p s a k e
s u p p l e m e n t
My vision for the Fort William cinema
All images courtesy and copyright Iain Ferguson
By Angus MacDonald
Management team, left - right, Kirsty Mann, General Manager,Adam Morrow, Head of Front of House, Elaine Brayshaw, Head of Finance and Administration, Carolanne Lawrie, Head of Kitchen, Hamish McIntyre, Head of Marketing and IT.
I read an article in a magazine that said a good bookshop and a, ideally independent, town centre cinema were key to bringing life into a community. As shopping habits change towns now need to appeal to those looking for entertainment, galleries, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. I had recently sold my recycling business and wanted to do something for the town; my family has lived here for centuries. The success of the people and economy of Lochaber is what really inspires me. The more I thought about it, the more benefits it seemed that a cinema in the town centre would bring. The town had an eyesore at the town square, a concrete monstrosity built as the tourist office in the 1970’s. The old cinema and public lavatories at the rear had become ruinous. I met with the council planners, and architects Dualchas in Skye to discuss my concept of a design based on a traditional red-roofed, stone-walled highland building, with the brief to make it ‘the most photographed building in town.’ We later had two open house days and over 500 locals came by, with almost complete support for the design. People were very keen on a cinema,
repeatedly telling me that our 20,000 local population face long rainy winters, there is not a lot for the young to do, and the elderly would benefit from a social event or two as well. My definition of whether it is successful will be if it becomes the hub of the area, shows great film, but also hosting musicians, events and festivals. If we can help attract visitors to stay longer and outside of peak season that will have worthwhile benefits to the area’s hospitality industry. Perhaps it will help businesses justify staying open all year round and therefore offer full-time employment, not just the summer months…. In Scotland Covid restrictions for cinemas requiring two-metre distancing is an anomaly. On a plane you sit right beside strangers, and in a bar it is one-metre distancing, without a mask. But a single customer at our cinema will have 12 empty seats around them! A financial challenge for us, but with 22 recently hired employees and a very encouraging local community, I will be proud to be cutting the ribbon to open The Highland Cinema on Friday, 25th September at 6pm. Slàinte.
We ARE OPEN
SEPT 25!
Scottish Classics, Family Films, Highlands From The Air, Café Bar and more! www.highlandcinema.co.uk
Highland Cinema 8pg.indd 1
02/10/2020 09:30:44