Mobile cinema in Scotland is at risk of closure after 25 years on the road

Mobile movie theater which has been operating for 25 years in Scotland is in danger of closing due to financial difficulties. The Screen Machine, a truck with a small cinema in its trailer, tours the Isles and Highlands of Scotland since 1998according to the BBC.

The purpose-built vehicle is out of service due to breakdowns and another truck has been leased until early next year. However, there is no funding to continue the tours into the new year.

Management company Regional Screen Scotland says a new cinema would cost at least £1.4m and take up to 18 months to build. BAFTA (British Academy Film Award) award-winning film and TV director Robin Haig grew up with mobile cinema while living in the fishing village of Dorney. “Not having the Screen Machine is like not having your favorite family member come to visit,” he told the BBC.

Scottish MPs have been informed of the matter and have been asked to help secure funding for a new cinema. The Scottish Government reports that despite considerable pressure on financing cultural organizations, works closely with the industry.

Regional Screen Scotland has been operating since 1998 the air-conditioned 80-seat mobile cinema which tours to over 40 communities in the Highlands and Islands. The idea of ​​a fully autonomous mobile cinema started in France. In 1995 the Highlands region of Scotland was asked to take part in a UK study into the possible transfer from France of the Cinemobile model, as it was called. The mobile cinema was made a reality in Scotland by the collaboration of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Film Council and the then Highlands District Council.

The mobile cinema gained a loyal audience and attracted international attention. After making two extraordinary visits to UN forces in Bosnia, the SSVC, the body that provides entertainment to the British Armed Forces, commissioned its own cinema.