Premier Leisure Cinema in Saltcoats is one of 30 independent cinemas across Scotland to receive emergency relief funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.

The Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund, through Screen Scotland, aims to bridge the financial gap faced by independently owned cinemas as a result of COVID-19.

Martin Scott of Premier Leisure Cinema said: “Receiving this funding is nothing short of a lifeline for Premier Leisure Cinema.

“With movies being delayed until next year and less and less reasons to visit the cinema, we were being forced to make some really tough decisions.

“This funding has not only protected jobs, but allowed us to look into 2021 with some optimism.

“All our cinema and kiosk staff will now be protected and we can continue to run our local, community cinema which is a the only one in the wider area and a community hub for the locals.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture said: “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.”

Through Screen Scotland, Premier Leisure received £71,259 as part of the funding package to help independent cinemas stay afloat.

Sambrooke Scott, Head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland said: “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.

“This emergency fund is helping independent cinemas across Scotland stay afloat when opening with social distancing regulations, and to help others re-open when safe to do so.”