An iconic Highland Perthshire picture house could become one of the greenest in Scotland, thanks to an ambitious sun-power plan.
The custodians of the renovated Art Deco Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy have lodged proposals to install dozens of rooftop solar panels.
The project could go some way to protecting the popular venue from rising running costs.
A spokesman for the Birks’ trust said: “The cinema has been in operation since April 2013, and continues to operate under tight fiscal constraints.
“Although the building is well insulated and the heating and cooling systems are efficient, the cost of utilities has risen significantly during the past few years.”
He said Birks Cinema Trust wanted to install photovoltaic panels on both the east and west-facing roofs, to use available solar energy and to reduce both the running costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The trust said the plan would accord with the Climate Change Emergency declared by the UK Parliament in May.
“It is considered to be a positive action to assist in meeting the challenge of Perth and Kinross becoming a net zero carbon place by 2045 at the latest,” he said.
Documents lodged with local authority planners show 27 panels on each side of the building.
It is the latest stage in the ongoing revival of the cinema.
The Birks reopened in 2013, following an eight year campaign by the local community.
Hollywood star Alan Cumming, who is from the area, took part in the grand re-opening with a screening of Tom Cruise movie Oblivion.
The Friends of Birks Cinema was formed in 2005 with the ambition to bring the venue back to life and make it a focal point of the town once again.
They managed to raise more than £2 million for the redevelopment, including a £540,000 Big Lottery grant.
The original building opened in 1939 and remained a popular attraction for residents and visitors throughout the decades.
However, by the 1980s – like many local cinemas – the business began struggling financially.
Even the introduction of twice-weekly bingo sessions failed to keep it afloat. It closed its doors in 1982 with no clear plans for the future.
Planning chiefs are expected to rule on the solar panel plan in the coming weeks.
