Campbeltown

TWO community projects in Campbeltown are to benefit from funding from Argyll and Bute Council.

Grants will go towards the restoration of The Picture House in Campbeltown, and to help set up a new water activities centre in the town.

A total of £40,000 will go to The Picture House, and £20,000 to Kintyre Seasports, subject to various conditions being met.

The funding will come from surplus Campbeltown regeneration funds.

The Picture House is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in Europe and the project to restore the A-listed building to its 1930s glory is already at an advanced stage, with the construction phase almost complete.

This funding will help meet a shortfall in the restoration costs and with the fitting out of the foyer and catering facilities.

The money follows financial support of £190,000 already approved by the council for the group behind the project, Campbel- town Community Business (CCB).

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has also increased its funding in the project, from £ 300,000 to £ 371,388.

The grants combined with other local fundraising will ensure the completion of this ambitious and exciting venture.

On completion of the £ 3.4 million renovation, The Picture House will provide a 193-seat restored historic cinema auditorium which can also be used for live music, theatre and other events; a new 52-seat auditorium; new foyer and cafe; an exhibition area; and a meeting committee room.

The council has already invested £190,000 in the project, with other supporters as well as HIE including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Creative Scotland, the Coastal Communities Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.

Kintyre Seasports is a 14-strong partnership with Campbeltown Sailing Club the lead partner.