An SSE wind farm fund has helped a Perthshire community cinema reopen its doors once again after 31 years with £100,000 of funding.
The Griffin wind farm fund supports activities that will enhance the quality of life of communities, promote community spirit and bring people together helping foster vibrant, sustainable communities.
Ciara Wilson, the Community Investment Adviser for Griffin wind farm said: "The campaign to reopen The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, matched the Griffin wind farm community fund aims perfectly.
"As a responsible renewable energy developer we set up local and regional community funds for each new onshore wind farm we build. We’re proud to be helping breath new life into the cinema at the heart of Aberfeldy, the closest town to Griffin wind farm itself."
The Birks Cinema originally opened its doors in July 1939. Sadly though, as with many cinemas around the country at the time, it became uneconomic, having to close in 1982.
In 2006 a small group of Aberfeldy residents at the local Heartland Film Society formed the Friends of The Birks Cinema (FoTBC) with the aim of reopening it becoming a top priority. And along with funding from other local businesses, organisations and the Big Lottery Fund, money from the Griffin wind farm community fund was awarded in December 2011.
The Birks Cinema officially opens its doors tomorrow (20th April) and will employ eight members of staff, boast a state-of-the-art 100 seat digital 3D cinema screen as well as a 64 seat restaurant and café bar.
For more information about Griffin wind farm and the community funds please visit: http://www.sse.com/Griffin/CommunityFunds