Warm reception for Cromarty cinema plan
If approved by Highland Council the proposals will result in the creation of a new 30 seat cinema close to the ferry slipway in Cromarty, with a small office hub located immediately next to it for use by the town’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The move, by the Cromarty Estate and Cromarty and Resolis Film Society, has proven popular with a number of local figures, who believe it will drive further business to the area.
The new hub is also aimed at providing extra office space in the town, with Cromarty Estate arguing that a current shortage is resulting in a brain drain of talent – forcing fledgling businesses to relocate to Dingwall, Tore or Inverness when they "outgrow their own homes".
"Addressing this need... will make Cromarty a more balanced and sustainable community," they said in a statement accompanying the planning application.
It’s a sentiment shared by David Richardson, the Federation of Small Businesses’ Highlands and Islands development manager. He said the organisation "wholeheartedly supports locally-managed collaborative ventures that make our small rural communities even better places to live, especially for the young people and families that we desperately need to retain and attract.
"Cinemas appeal to all ages and to locals and visitors alike, and they can also be great social hubs.
"Equally, the presence of purpose-designed office space can do much to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to take the plunge and start new businesses; existing small business to expand; and to attract businesses from outside to relocate."
And there are also hopes the cinema will encourage more people to visit, while also providing locals with more incentive to stay in the town instead of travelling to Inverness for the latest releases.
Jenny Henderson, from the Royal Hotel in Cromarty, believes the two buildings will be a huge boost to Cromarty.
She said: "I think it’s a great thing. It’s been in the pipeline for a while and a lot of work has been done by the film society. A big congratulations to them. Anything that brings people to Cromarty is a great thing and I hope it goes ahead."
If it gets the green light work could start on the cinema and office hub as early as spring next year.
The film society’s Tanya Karlebach said members were "really excited" to have reached this stage, and that the new cinema would help them to increase the frequency of screenings in Cromarty.
Meanwhile, the society is continuing to raise funds towards the expected £240,000 price tag of the new cinema. It has already secured a number of grants and has others in the pipeline.
But it is also running a crowdfunding campaign to raise £30,000 towards the final costs.
Its members have urged people to show their support by contributing to the campaign.
To donate to the cinema project go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cromartycommunitycinema
