Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed news that the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy has been awarded £68,500 funding from the Scottish Government’s Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilence Fund and the National Lottery.
The Recovery and Resilence Fund, which totals £3.5m with an additional £50k provided by The National Lottery, will help 30 independent cinemas across the country.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“The news of this funding will be a significant boost not only for The Birks Cinema, but for Aberfeldy as a whole.
“The Birks is an integral part of Aberfeldy, and its re-launch in 2013 was a testament to the desire and perseverance of the local community. It would have been hugely damaging to the town, both economically and emotionally, if Covid had forced a permanent closure.
“The Scottish Government recognises the value of independent cinemas, and the power of film to bring us all together. To that end, I am hopeful that this funding will secure the future of The Birks and that we will continue to be able to visit this much-loved rural cinema for many years to come.”
