AYR'S former Odeon Cinema is set for a new lease of life, according to the town's MSP.
The facility in Burns Statue Square closed its doors on June 5 after years of making magical memories for the town's film fans, with company bosses saying the venue was "no longer viable".
But in an announcement made via social media on Tuesday, August 8, Siobhian Brown said the cinema had been taken on by new owners.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir to be published after nine-way bidding war
Brown, victims and community safety minister and local MSP, said: "Exciting news regarding the former Odeon Cinema in Ayr.
"I’ve been speaking to executives at Merlin Cinemas who’ve confirmed the company has purchased the cinema today!
"They plan to create jobs, show film[s], support the local economy, and preserve cinema heritage within the town.
"I’ll look forward to hearing more details in the near future!"
Merlin Cinemas operates 18 cinemas in locations around the UK, most of them in coastal towns - though it currently has only one cinema in Scotland, the Merlin in Thurso.
READ MORE: Lee Anderson refuses to apologise for telling migrants to 'f*** off'
As the first true Odeon theatre ever built in Scotland, the building is regarded as an important building in the history of cinema in the country.
Until its closure in June, it was the last surviving example in Scotland of a cinema built by the Odeon company that was still run by the firm.
The Art Deco design is mostly recognisable for its famous tower, which can be seen from around the town.
Built for and operated by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theatres Ltd, the Ayr Odeon opened its doors to the public for the first time in July 1938 with a showing of Ronald Colman in "The Prisoner of Zenda".
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here