Scotland's most northerly mainland cinema reopens

Animation Ice Age 4 will be among the first films to be screened at the cinema

Scotland's most northerly mainland cinema, which had been closed for more than two years, has reopened.

Thurso Cinema, formerly called the All Star Factory, opened in October 2001 and was closed down in September 2009.

Built at a cost of £1.5m with two screens and capacity for 250 people, the premises has been taken over by businessman Rob Arthur.

Animation Ice Age 4 and new Batman The Dark Knight Rises will be among of the first films to be shown.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) commissioned a feasibility study on the potential of reopening.

It also hosted a public meeting last month where local people were invited to hear Mr Arthur's plans for the site.

The businessman said he was delighted the cinema was open again.

He said: "The local community have been incredibly supportive from the outset and we really couldn't have made this happen without their help.

"Embracing social media channels particularly Facebook has meant that we have been able to communicate with people instantly and effectively and keep everyone up to date with the cinema's progress.

"Regular posts have seen the number of views matching the total population of Caithness - this shows just how engaged and excited local residents are about the re-opening of their cinema."

Roy Kirk, HIE area manager, said the All Star Factory had been an important part of the community of Caithness and Sutherland.

He added: "We are delighted to see this project come to fruition with the cinema re-opening today and look forward to supporting its development in the future."