Detailed plans for a long-awaited cinema in Cromarty on the Black Isle have been unveiled.
Exciting proposals for a 30-seat cinema on the seafront – along with a purpose-built office block – have been lodged with Highland Council by Cromarty Estate and Cromarty and Resolis Film Society (CRFS).
In an application to planners, the state they hope to provide a purpose-designed space for regular community screenings – looking at weekly in the winter and twice weekly in summer – as well as be a base for the annual film festival.
It added: “A dedicated cinema space will allow screenings all year which currently is not possible using existing buildings with poor black-out facilities.
“The cinema may also be available for other users to hire for screenings, presentations and lectures.”
The developers are also planning to have an area of outdoor space for summer screenings and film festival events.
They add: “As a community facility which is run by volunteers, the building should be economic to construct, efficient and simple to operate whilst providing a comfortable high-quality experience for the users.”
Regarding the “office hub”, the developers say: “Demand locally is from individual workers looking for office and meeting space along with larger groups/businesses looking for permanent office space.
“There are very few offices available for rent in Cromarty and a growing number of individuals working from home are looking for office space to rent.”
Several sites in the Black Isle village were considered, but the location next to the ferry slipway and The Links was considered the most appropriate, particularly for access and parking.
The CRFS, in supporting material, said: “We are 30 miles from the nearest commercial cinema and with a restricted bus timetable it is often impossible for people to attend screenings in Inverness.
“In the past 15 years there have been public film screenings in Cromarty, growing in frequency and attendance culminating in an annual film festival with approximately 30 separate evens and over 2,500 tickets sold.
“Currently monthly screenings average around 30 people, about 4% of the population, which is not inconsiderable attendance for a weekday night.”
If approved by Highland Council, construction on the new cinema and office hub could begin in spring next year.
