Hollywood star helps launch Easter Ross community cinema

A FILM star familiar to movie lovers - and reality TV fans - around the world has showed his support for a new Easter Ross cinema venture. The Ardross community was buzzing as BAFTA-winning actor and celebrated The Traitors US presenter Alan Cumming attended the opening of a new community cinema. The event, hosted at Ardross Community Hall , marked a milestone for the village’s cultural life, bringing residents together to celebrate the power of film in fostering connections.

​​READ ALSO Alan Cumming - no stranger to Ross-shire - lands homecoming theatre role Traitors US divides opinion but Ardross Castle remains a star turn Sign up to free Ross-shire newsletter Cumming joined an enthusiastic, packed audience for a special screening of My Old School, the acclaimed 2022 feature documentary-comedy in which he stars. His presence added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the night while emphasising the actor’s support for grassroots cultural initiatives. The 150-strong audience was treated to a lively Q&A - moderated by community member Sylvia Tarrant - in which Cumming discussed his experience of making the film in a wide-ranging conversation that saw the star answer questions about all aspects of his career.



He also shared his delight at being back in Scotland as presenter of The Traitors US. He is currently filming Season 3 of the TV show at Ardross Castle , a short drive from the Community Hall. The event was the first of Ardross Community Cinema’s Winter programme, which aims to bring family, independent and Scottish films to the community’s doorstep once a month.

The idea for the cinema came from a group of Ardross residents who wanted to use the magic of film to bring the local community together. It is hoped that the development of a cinema will become a cultural hub for the Ardross community. Petria Brooke-Carr, Ardross Community Cinema, said: “We know how important it is to bring our community together and films are the perfect way to do this.

“It’s been so special to be a part of this team and to welcome Alan to our launch event. The audience loved hearing his funny, captivating stories about filming in the local area.” Ardross is part of a growing network of Highland communities using local spaces - like town halls, libraries and community centres - to host film events.

They are supported by Spotlight, a partnership between Eden Court and Film Hub Scotland, that works to develop film audiences in the Highlands and Moray. The project, launched in August 2023, is currently working with groups including Cinema Nairn, Film Forres and Evanton Community Trust. It provides hands-on support with tech, programming and marketing to help these groups to bring the magic of film to theirareas.

For a list of Spotlight screenings taking place in community venues across the Highlands, visit: cinemainthehighlands.co.uk Gražina Ščučkaitė, Spotlight project coordinator, said: “Ardross is one of the volunteer-run community groups who use their spare time to put on local film events for their friends and neighbours.

“We know the positive impact these cinemas can have as they combat isolation, increase community cohesion and give everyone something to look forward to. To have a Scottish superstar like Alan at the first ever event in Ardross was truly the icing on the cake!”.