Scottish acting legend Alan Cumming backs fundraiser to save mobile cinema

Scottish actor Alan Cumming has backed a public fundraising campaign to save the Screen Machine mobile cinema service.

Regional Screen Scotland (RSS) have set their sights on raising £1.7m to cover the cost of building a new bespoke cinema.

In a first step towards the total, they have appealed for the public’s help in raising £100,000.

The mobile cinema has been touring the Highlands and Islands, Argyll and Bute and North Ayrshire for the last 25 years but was put out of action last year following a number of breakdowns.

It is hoped the introduction of a brand new mobile screen will allow the service to continue into the 2040s.

Without the new addition, the service will come to an end.

Alan Cumming, who is a multi-award winning stage and screen actor, has teamed up with Tide Lines, one of Scotland’s leading folk rock groups, Regional Screen Scotland and advertising agency, Collective
London to create a short film to launch the campaign.

The mobile cinema was put out of action following a numb Regional Screen Scotland

Simon Drysdale, interim chief executive officer of RSS, said: “The popularity of the Screen Machine mobile cinema service is beyond doubt.

“Over the summer we’ve seen excellent numbers of customers come along to enjoy the big
screen experience in their local communities.

“But what is very much in doubt is the future of the service. Today’s launch of a campaign to raise £100k from customers and supporters is intended to push potential major funders, including the Scottish Government, into action before this precious resource is lost.”

If the funds are successfully raised, it will take 12 to 18 months for the construction of the new mobile cinema to be completed.

To watch the short film click here. To donate to the Crowdfunder campaign click here