News

Montrose Playhouse is in the running to be named the first recipient of a new competition recognising the nation’s best independent cinemas.

The converted former town swimming pool has been revealed as one of five nominees for the inaugural British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) cinema of the year accolade.

It has already shone among a field of more than 130 cinemas which entered the competition.

More than 100,000 votes were cast by UK cinema-goers.

The five finalists were selected by a BIFA jury.  Montrose is the sole Scottish contender.

It considered the public vote and the cinemas’ contribution to their community, environmental sustainability and accessibility for all.

Cinema-goers now have until November 25 to cast their vote.

The top cinema will be revealed at the BIFA ceremony on November 30.

Montrose Playhouse operations manager Claire Carle said: “To have made it to the final five from over 130 entries is an incredible honour.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the unwavering support of our amazing local community.

“The people of Montrose are at the heart of everything we do.  It’s their passion, belief, and determination that transformed one man’s dream of converting a disused swimming pool into a state-of-the-art cinema.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 5 November 2025