Isles MP Angus MacNeil congratulates island school children for safeguarding the future of the Screen Machine which is now secure until 2026.
Mr MacNeil wrote to First Minister Humza Yousaf last year, after concerns were raised with him by communities, especially pupils from Castlebay School, that the mobile cinema, which has served island communities for 25 years, was due to close.
Mr MacNeil said:
“I wish to congratulate children and island communities for their efforts in securing a future for the Screen Machine.
“They left no stone unturned or no letter unwritten, letters to their MP in Gaelic.
“As a result, they and other rural people can continue with the cinematic experience.
“The arrival of the Screen Machine in rural communities in the late 90s was a huge step forward for our communities to access blockbuster films and independent and family films.
“A great experience for young and old alike.
“As a user of the Screen Machine when it visits Barra, I know the value of this service to rural communities who do not have access to permanent cinemas.
“I will continue to press for funding for the Screen Machine to be secured in the long term and I am sure that the community will continue with their efforts on this.
“Regional Screen Scotland now have further time to raise £1.4 million to commission the build of a tailor-made Screen Machine to take the service into the 2030s.”
