logo
Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment

Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment

STV News05-06-2025
Edinburgh's independent cinema Filmhouse is reopening after a major refurbishment and a fundraising campaign to save the venue.
The historic cinema, which closed in October 2022, has undergone a £2m transformation that includes expanded facilities, updated technical capabilities, and improved visitor comfort.
The venue will reopen on June 27 with three refurbished screens and public areas, with a fourth smaller screen scheduled to open in July.
Originally a three-screen venue, the revamped Filmhouse will now offer four screens in total, including a new intimate space with 24 seats designed for private screenings and hires. The total seating capacity will be around 350.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: 'It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event.
'This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.'
Filmhouse has long been a cultural hub for Edinburgh and Scotland's film community, showcasing independent, international, and arthouse cinema alongside local film festivals.
The reopening programme will feature many films missed during its closure and promises a diverse range of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts.
The refurbishment was funded through a combination of public grants, community fundraising, and private donations. The 'Open the Doors!' crowdfunding campaign alone raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of film lovers locally and globally.
Supporters of the cinema include notable Scottish actors and filmmakers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson, all of whom backed the campaign to save the venue.
The UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund contributed £1.5m, alongside funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council.
A long-term lease was secured with the building's owners, Caledonian Heritable, ensuring Filmhouse's presence on Lothian Road for at least 25 years.
The building itself, a repurposed church dating back to 1978, has been carefully restored, including roof and stonework repairs.
Inside, new seating offers extra legroom and comfort, and the foyer has been redesigned.
The Filmhouse Bar, a popular social spot, has been refurbished to seat 100 people and will continue to serve locally sourced food and drinks, with an emphasis on sustainability.
The cinema also plans to expand its educational outreach with a dedicated learning and engagement officer and partnerships with film schools.
New leadership has been appointed to guide Filmhouse into its next chapter, including executive director Andrew Simpson and a growing team.
Mr Simpson said: 'The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond. We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we're excited to welcome people back.'
Filmhouse is expected to play a key role in this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, with details to be announced soon.
Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: 'It's blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years.
'Thanks to £1.54m UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can't wait to take in a movie there.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Els launches new Portuguese golf club alongside Montgomerie and Duval
Els launches new Portuguese golf club alongside Montgomerie and Duval

North Wales Chronicle

time15 minutes ago

  • North Wales Chronicle

Els launches new Portuguese golf club alongside Montgomerie and Duval

The four-time major champion played a nine-hole exhibition to open the Els Club Vilamoura with Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie and 2001 Open Champion David Duval. Els Club Vilamoura, is a championship-standard 18-hole golf course, designed by Els, that features a luxury clubhouse and signature amenities such as the 261 Bar, and was built on the previous Victoria course, which hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022. Els, who won the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and two Open crowns in 2002 and 2012, invited Montgomerie and Duval to play the course, as well as Portuguese Champions League winner Luis Figo and former England striker Peter Crouch. Els Club, Vilamoura has been built in partnership with English investment fund Arrow Global and management company DETAILS and is the first private-members club in the Algarve (Image: Portugal Invitational) Els said of his new club: 'I've been coming to Vilamoura for many years, I've spent many summers with my family here and we just love Portugal. 'Golf is in a pretty sweet spot at the moment and [creating this course] has been a really nice venture. 'We want the conditions to be absolutely perfect and for people to have a great experience and good food.' Els Club, Vilamoura has been built in partnership with English investment fund Arrow Global and management company DETAILS and is the first private-members club in the Algarve. Membership is extended only to those proposed by founder members or those invited by the club. During a press conference on the morning of the Els Club launch, it was also announced the course would host the new PGA Champions Tour event, the Portugal Invitational after signing a five-year deal. The first edition of the event is set to be held between 31 July to 2 August 2026 and has been brought about through the work of The PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve. A field of 78 players will be welcomed to the new track with the likes of Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jimenez set to compete at the event that boasts a whopping prize purse of £2.23million ($3m). PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady said: 'This Tour is a global showcase of the game's legendary players, and we know the great golf fans in Portugal and throughout Europe will welcome the opportunity to watch them compete in person at The Els Club Vilamoura.' Els added: 'It's wonderful to see those plans now coming to fruition and we're grateful to PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady, the team at Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve, for sharing in our vision and bringing this exciting new tournament here.' Vilamoura is just a 25-minute drive from Faro airport, which boasts connections to 90 airports worldwide, and is also just a two-hour drive from Lisbon. The resort is rich in culture, gastronomy and outdoor activities and is home to its famous marina which is a multiple winner of the Yacht Harbour Association's Best International Marina award. Montgomerie said: 'The golf course is superb, and the clubhouse is fantastic. It's not just a course for the present; it's a course for the future as well,' while Duval added: 'It'll be much anticipated for everybody on the Champions Tour, and I struggle to see how it won't be a huge success a year from now.' PGA TOUR Champions announces the Portugal Invitational to be held at The Els Club Vilamoura on course designed by Ernie Els. PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve will deliver a five-year partnership and will debut the week of July 27, 2026, and will feature a field of 78 players. For more information visit

Luxury chocolate brand puts Scottish twist on new range – and fans are loving it
Luxury chocolate brand puts Scottish twist on new range – and fans are loving it

Scottish Sun

time16 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Luxury chocolate brand puts Scottish twist on new range – and fans are loving it

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUXURY chocolate makers Lindt have designed a sweet treat with a Scottish twish - shortbread. Scots are going absolutely mad after discovering the rare Lindor flavour hitting the shelves – and it features an ingredient close to the country's heart. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Lindt's Chocolates are now using shortbread The Swiss chocolate maker is renowned for its diverse flavours and vibrant packaging, and has recently launched a distinctive flavour drawing inspiration from the beloved Scottish biscuit. The chocolate boxes have been found in high street retailers, and enthusiasts are thrilled to snap them up. The limited edition delights arrive in a rich purple wrapper and co-ordinating box and take their cue from the humble shortbread. Lindt devotees are so captivated by the new launch, they've pledged to load up their shopping trolleys straight away before the goodies disappear. It is just one of a number of experimental new flavours the company has launched in recent months. A post uploaded on New Foods UK recently got fans buzzing, and sent them dashing to share their reactions. The post stated: 'New Limited Edition Shortbread Lindor! 'Milk chocolate with shortbread pieces and a smooth melting filling! 'These are incredible, now available at Lindt stores.' The limited-edition flavour won't stick around indefinitely so if you fancy a box, you'll need to move quickly. King Charles visits luxury vegan chocolate shop in Scotland The delights are being sold at £5.50 per 100g and have been characterised as 'milk chocolate truffles with shortbread pieces and a smooth melting filling'. As soon as the Lindt shortbread special went on sale, chocolate fans reacted in their droves. One person enthused: 'Love this flavour!' Meanwhile another added: 'Would have to try one. I love chocolate and I love shortbread, but not really keen on chocolate shortbread.' 'I'm going to need to stock up on these,' one person penned. Another remarked: 'Oh my, will have to look out for these.'

Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor
Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor

Powys County Times

time18 minutes ago

  • Powys County Times

Trump's visit to Scotland is in ‘public interest', says Chancellor

The visit of US President Donald Trump to Scotland is in the 'public interest', Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said. Mr Trump is due to touch down in Scotland on Friday evening ahead of a four-day visit, during which he will meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney. His meeting with Sir Keir is seen as a chance to refine the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month. Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Rolls-Royce factory near Glasgow Airport on Friday morning, the Chancellor talked up the importance of the visit. 'It's in Britain's national interest to have strong relations with the US administration and as a result of both that long-term special relationship, but actually more importantly, the work that our Prime Minister Keir Starmer has done in building that relationship with President Trump has meant that we were the first country in the world to secure a trade deal,' she said. 'That has a tangible benefit for people here in Scotland, whether it is people working in the Scotch whisky industry or people working in the defence sector like here at Rolls-Royce, that trade deal means lower tariffs than any country in the world on things that we send to the US.' Ms Reeves dodged a question relating to senior ministers – including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray – supporting a motion when in opposition in 2019 calling for the president's first state visit to be cancelled and accusing him of 'misogyny, racism and xenophobia'. Mr Trump is expected to visit both of his golf clubs in Scotland – in South Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire – during the visit, which has been described as 'private' by the White House, before leaving on Tuesday. His presence is likely to spark protests across the country, with Police Scotland being forced to request aid from other forces to help increase manpower for the trip. In a carefully worded statement ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney said the focus it will bring to Scotland will allow people to have their voice heard on issues including 'war and peace, justice and democracy'. Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, the First Minister said his meeting with Mr Trump would present an opportunity to 'essentially speak out for Scotland' on issues like trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. 'But there are clearly also significant international issues upon which the people of Scotland have a view and want to have that view expressed by their First Minister,' he said. 'That relates to the awfulness of the situation in Gaza and the unbearable human suffering that is going on in Gaza. 'I want to make sure that those concerns and those views are expressed to the President of the United States. 'We have that opportunity, and I intend to take that opportunity to make sure that Scotland's voice is heard.' Mr Swinney also urged all of those set to protest against the President's visit to do so 'peacefully and to do so within the law'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store