STAGE and screen star Dame Judi Dench has given her backing to calls to save Scotland's Screen Machine touring cinema - sparking a delighted response from a Cumbrae councillor.
Dame Judi has written to First Minister Humza Yousaf to highlight the concerns of children on Barra over the potential loss of the mobile cinema, according to the BBC.
The Screen Machine was a hugely popular attraction on its visits to Cumbrae until last year, when the island was taken off its schedule due to access issues around the use of a new vehicle.
The 25-year-old Screen Machine service requires £1.4 million for a new purpose-built vehicle to show latest releases across the Highlands and Islands.
A temporary mobile cinema is currently in use but it is unable to access Cumbrae - and the lease of the temporary 'Cinemobile' vehicle runs out in April, leaving major doubts about the service's future after that date.
Dame Judi, who won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love in 1998, and has also won six BAFTAs for her film work and a further four for her TV roles, said the cinema was a lifeline service to rural communities, and praised the children's efforts.
Her intervention has been hailed by Millport resident and North Coast councillor Todd Ferguson, who says he hopes it could prove to be a major stepping stone for the Screen Machine to return to the island in future.
He said: “I was delighted to hear that one of the stars from my favourite Bond movie, Skyfall, has written to the Scottish Government asking them to fund the Screen Machine.
"To have a massive star like Dame Judi Dench fighting our corner will hopefully make all the difference.
“It is quite fitting as Cumbrae has our own local Bond connection. The late great Duncan Macrae, who lived on the island, had a role in the original 1969 Casino Royale.
“When it visits the island it is packed to the rafters and is a much loved attraction on the island.
“If the Scottish Government fail to support the mobile cinema then it will have no option but to close.
“So, let's hope they see sense and support this vital lifeline service for island and rural economies.
“It would be a fitting tribute to Dame Judi and Duncan to screen a Bond movie on their first visit back to Cumbrae to say thank you."
The Scottish Government said Mr Yousaf had received Dame Judi's letter and that he would reply in due course.
It added that last year the government provided £176,000 to keep the mobile cinema operating on a temporary basis.
The Screen Machine is run by the Regional Screen Scotland charity.
It uses a lorry with its trailer fitted out as a small cinema.
Last autumn, the charity warned it could be the final curtain for the service if it could not find enough money for a new purpose-built vehicle.
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