Touring cinema

“I have been following the articles about Peter Crerar,” says Thomas McFarlane of Wolfhill, “and have enjoyed reading about his charabancs and cinemas. Please keep the photographs coming!

“Your correspondent John Allan states that Mr Crerar was the owner of six cinemas during the 1930s. I can speak to him having an interest in at least one more – Auchterarder Cinema, later to be known as The Regal.

“I have in my possession a copy of a document/prospectus dated August 29 1930 which amongst other matters lists the Capital and the Assets of Strathearn Cinemas Ltd whose directors were Charles G Kennoway, chairman; Peter Crerar, managing director, James Menzies and Robert Dickson.

“The assets of the company are listed as Crieff Cinema, erected in 1924, with a seating capacity of 650, Auchterarder Cinema with a seating capacity of 575 which, along with two adjoining shops and an upstairs hall, was erected in 1926.

“There was also a touring cinema comprising a modern motor van fitted with a crude oil engine and operating machine which had the exclusive rights to perform at Comrie, Dunning, Dunblane, Doune and Dollar.

“I remember both cinemas well although by the time I became a patron, Madge McEwan had long ceased to be the resident pianist at Crieff and the cinemas had parted company – The Regal in Auchterarder being owned by cinema magnate J.B. Milne whilst the Crieff Cinema had become part of the Caledonian Associated Cinema chain.

“I have no idea what happened to the travelling cinema van – perhaps it was converted into a charabanc or a bus.”

“This tiny bank vole was careful about showing too much of himself,” says Eric Niven, “but eventually he got hold of a peanut. I suppose you can’t be too careful when you look like a wee sausage!”