A long-running campaign to secure the future of the Screen Machine mobile cinema has ended in success, with the fundraising target met in full.
Regional Screen Scotland (RSS), the organisation behind the Screen Machine, has confirmed that enough money has now been raised to commission a brand-new vehicle, ensuring the service will return to communities across the Highlands, Islands and north coast next year.
The Screen Machine mobile cinema is set for a new era across the Highlands and Islands as fundraising goals met.
The announcement marks the end of an 18-month campaign launched after the original Screen Machine was retired in 2023.
A leased temporary unit has been in use since, but RSS warned at the time that a permanent replacement was essential to keep the service going.
£1.49m secured
More than £1.49 million has now been secured from a combination of public donations, charitable trusts and national funding bodies, since the campaigns launch in 2023.
Over £110,000 was raised directly from the public, boosted by what RSS described as a “major gift” from Sir Ewan and Lady Brown.
The Scottish Government awarded £500,000 towards the project, while SSEN Transmission Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise each pledged £350,000.
Further support from the Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Fund and several charitable trusts helped complete the total.
RSS said the final target was lower than originally expected – reduced from £1.7m to £1.49m.
The bespoke new Screen Machine is already under construction in France by a specialist manufacturer and is expected to be delivered in June 2026, with full touring to resume the following month.
Simon Drysdale, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Regional Screen Scotland, said the result was the result of a “colossal joint effort” from individuals, community groups and supporters who donated, organised events or lobbied on the cinema’s behalf.
He added: “We sincerely thank everyone who got involved, whether you wrote to your MSP, dropped some change into our collection bucket or held a fundraising event.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes also welcomed the news, describing the service as an “iconic part of rural and island life” in parts of Scotland that would otherwise miss out on big-screen entertainment.
Vital for rural communities
For more than 26 years the Screen Machine has brought first-run films to remote communities, including many across Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness. It is the UK’s only full-time, self-contained digital mobile cinema.
David Smith, Director of Screen at Screen Scotland, said: “Reaching this milestone is testament to their grit and determination, and to the passion of audiences and communities who value the service so deeply.
“We can’t wait to see the new Screen Machine taking to the road and continuing this much-loved service for many years to come.”
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