The Invergordon Archive

The New Picture House, Invergordon 1915

I chanced upon your site while doing some research on Invergordon cinemas.

I am a former General Manager of the Caledonian Associated Cinemas circuit which operated the Playhouse in the High Street for many years. I remember well both the cinema and it's long serving manager Alastair Ross.

In the course of my research I have been perusing back issues of a long defunct cinema trade journal called The Biograph which seems to have ceased publication sometime in the 1930s. This weekly news magazine covered events relating to British cinemas at the time.

In an issue from 1915 I found mention of a cinema called La Scala which was operating in Invergordon at that time. This appears to have been requisitioned for war use and not to have reopened again.

In a separate issue, also from 1915, there is this article reporting on the opening of a new, purpose built cinema with tearooms, called The New Picture House. This cinema had 400 seats. I haven't found out when it eventually closed or where it was located in the town.

I belong to a members only group on Facebook which is called Old Cinema Buildings UK and RI. We post on the history of cinemas past and present and their current status, if still standing. I am presently preparing a post on Invergordon cinemas and would love to include the wonderful pictures of the Playhouse submitted to your site by William Smart. If permission is given full credit and acknowledgement will be given.

In any event I hope you find the attached article of some interest.
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