Highland Cinema

In Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, the twin-screen Studio Cinemas, which had been built on the site of the Town Hall, closed in 2006. (See separate Cinema Treasures entry.)

In March 2019, West Highland businessman Angus MacDonald put forward plans for a completely new, replacement cinema on that site. This was projected to cost “several million pounds” but, a true philanthropist, Mr. MacDonald said he does not plan to make money from this self-funded venture; instead, he wished to give something back to the community in which his family has lived for centuries.

The main steel structure was in place by September 2019, with the cinema’s opening scheduled for Saturday 9th May 2020.

According to the cinema’s website “Our new building has been designed as a twist on a traditional highland property, with a red corrugated roof and stone walls. The red stone of the walls is from Glen Nevis, the slate from Ballachulish and the grey stone from an old sheep fank [enclosure] on Blarour Farm. The front entrance facing Cameron Square has been designed to reflect the red roof and stonework of a traditional bothy, the humble building that has welcomed and sheltered travellers across the Highlands for centuries”.

Inevitably, the opening was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Highland Cinema eventually opened on Friday 25th September 2020.

Screen 1 has 107 seats: Standard: 75, Luxury: 30 - plus, in a nice, quirky, touch, a two-seater replica Lotus Elan race-car at the front of the auditorium! Screen 2 has 61 seats: Standard: 45 and Luxury: 16. Both are equipped with a 2k laser projector and 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound.

The café bar, seating 84, has a wood burning stove, cosy seating and a covered terrace overlooking the town square.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.