Image: The Wee Picture House, Campbeltown by Gary Sutherland, 21 September 2004, sourced from Wikimedia Commons / Geograph and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
A rare first-generation cinema still shows films behind one of Scotland’s most individual early twentieth-century façades.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built 1913; remodelled with atmospheric interiors in 1935; restored and extended 2016–2017
- Architect / designer
- Albert V. Gardner; 1935 work by John Fairweather and Sons
- Type
- Purpose-built cinema with Art Nouveau exterior and atmospheric auditoria
- Designation
- Listed building, Category A (LB22965)
- OS grid reference
- NR 72089 20360
Architecture and continuing use
A low, broad front uses Glasgow School Art Nouveau detail, red fish-scale tiles and a distinctive oval projection-room belvedere. Inside, the 1935 atmospheric treatment turns the auditorium into an imagined outdoor setting, while recent work preserves the historic cinema and adds modern facilities.
Its story
Opened in 1913, the building belongs to the first wave of permanent cinemas. It was remodelled in 1935 and restored in the 2010s, allowing film exhibition and community activity to continue in the building created for them.
Why it is included
Its exceptional survival, continued cinema use and inventive design make it one of Campbeltown’s strongest examples of living architectural heritage.
What to notice
- Oval projection-room belvedere above the entrance.
- Red fish-scale roof tiles and curving Art Nouveau detail.
- The contrast between the original cinema and the discreet modern extension.
Reading the surroundings
Use the cinema’s advertised screenings and events. Ticketed areas, projection spaces and back-of-house rooms are not general visitor space; follow staff guidance.
Timeline
- Built 1913 Opened in 1913, the building belongs to the first wave of permanent cinemas. It was remodelled in 1935 and restored in the 2010s, allowing film exhibition and community activity to continue in the building created for them.
- Present Operating independent cinema and community venue.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Programmes, opening times and event access change; check the cinema before making a special journey.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Campbeltown Picture House, LB22965 — Designation status, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- Campbeltown Picture House: about the cinema — Current cinema use, restoration, community role and visitor information.
Location
OS grid reference NR 72089 20360 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.