Project of the week

Sitting in a prominent position on Campbeltown waterfront, within the Conservation Area, this A-listed Picture House is one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in Scotland. Designed by Glasgow cinema architect, Albert V Gardner, its Glasgow School Art Nouveau design is unique, comprising a series of concentric ovals in plan. Gardner returned in 1934/5 to remodel the space with an ‘atmospheric’ interior, which remains largely unaltered to this day, including the ‘wee houses’ either side of the screen.

The building was in constant use as a cinema up until the time that it was taken on by the local community in 1987. Thereafter, it continued in this use, celebrating its centenary in 2013. By this time, however, the community had begun seeking funds to manage a project to repair, conserve and upgrade it. The scheme included plans to incorporate an empty annex to create a larger foyer and café. This also enabled the addition of a second screen at the rear, with an exhibition area to show original artefacts from the cinema and photographic collection.

Capital works for this project completed in 2017 and the building remains operational as a modern cinema destination today.

“The significance of Campbeltown Picture House - not just in the local area, but also in the fabric of the history of cinema in Scotland - cannot be overestimated. The Picture House is the main cultural hub in Campbeltown and Kintyre, providing vital leisure options for locals and visitors alike.” 

Campbeltown Community Business Ltd