Plans to restore and reopen a historic cinema in Easter Ross have moved a step closer with the preparation of a business plan and the launch of fundraising for the second phase of the project.
Built as Tain’s town hall in about 1850, the imposing building on Tower Street was used as such until World War II.
During the war, it was used as a canteen for troops. When the war ended, it was turned into a picture house, run by Caledonian Associated Cinemas.
It was later run on a voluntary basis in an attempt to keep the cinema open, but finally closed its doors in the early 1960s.
And a group of local people are determined that the beautiful old building should be preserved and brought back into use.
About 10 years ago, they set up Tain Heritage Trust Ltd to secure its future.
They have since raised more than £91,000 for the first stage of the work, which involved making the property wind and watertight.
They have also repaired the stone steps at the entrance.
Funding included grants of £87,000 from Historic Scotland, Highland Council, Ross and Cromarty Enterprise and Tain Common Good Fund, with the remainder being raised locally through various fundraising events.
The interior of the old town hall was at one time restored by philanthropist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
Trust chairwoman Susannah Stone wants to see it promoted as a wedding venue and arts centre, as well as reopening it as a cinema on a regular basis.
She said: “We had submitted a funding application to Historic Scotland for the full cost of the second phase, but we are now planning to break it down into stages and apply for it a bit at a time.
“We’re also meeting with Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to see if they can help. We just want to get the work done as soon as possible.”
