Hippodrome

Went to the oldest existing purpose built cinema in Scotland located in Bo'Ness. Organised by Doorsopenday, we had a talk presented by the projectionist (A dying breed) and Architect who restored the building. Built in 1911 and showing its first screening in 1912, and apart from around a 25 year gap its been projecting and entertaining visitors since it was built. It was recently refurbished and is A listed under Historic Scotland.

It now houses a digital projector and state of the art surround sound but still has a backup film projector where they screen older films. It seats 176 people but back in its day it had a crowd of 800! Health and safety regulations explains this, but I can't help feeling it might have gotten out of hand.

Costing around 2 million to re-furb they are keen to keep up the high levels of attendance it now gains.