Birks Cinema: Thank You

Refurbishment and construction of a state-of-the-art cinema in Aberfeldy is now underway. A large banner saying THANK YOU to supporters and funders was unfurled on the fencing at the site today, and Friends of The Birks Cinema Group patron, Hollywood actor Alan Cumming, has welcomed this latest exciting step in realising the ambitions for the local community-led project.

Alan Cumming said: It is so great to think that work is finally starting to bring the Birks back to its former glory, and even greater to imagine that the place will be open for business next spring. I am so proud of the Birks team and the whole Aberfeldy community for coming together and making this happen.

Charlotte Flower, Chair of the Friends of the Birks Cinema group, said: I have to keep pinching myself that our dream is finally turning into reality. Seeing the fencing go up and the builders going in is just fantastic. We are so grateful to all of our supporters and funders and we are really looking forward to next year when the cinema becomes a living breathing fixture in Highland Perthshire\'s arts and culture landscape.

The Friends of The Birks Cinema Group achieved its fundraising target early in 2012. Perthshire firm Hadden Construction Ltd, based in Aberuthven, is the  contractor engaged to fully rebuild and refurbish the building. The contract award followed the process of securing the last piece in the funding gap by the Big Lottery Fund at the beginning of February, and the final go ahead following a period of due diligence by the other principal funder, the Scottish Rural Development Programme in early April.

Scott Hadden, Chairman of Hadden Construction commented: As a local contractor we are delighted to be appointed to bring The Birks Cinema back to life and deliver what will be a fantastic facility for Aberfeldy.

Other developments include the appointment of Kevin Ramage, owner of local business The Watermill, as the Project Manager for the refurbishment project. He will be working as a volunteer, representing the FoTBC with the building team and local architect Robin Baker. A Finance Co-ordinator, Angela Hanvey, has also been appointed to ensure that the £1.4m grant funds are efficiently managed .

For further information go to www.birkscinemafriends.org.uk or visit the Facebook site on www.facebook.com/friendsofthebirkscinema

A regular Blog on the website will also update on progress.

The cinema is scheduled for completion and opening in the Spring of 2013.