FILM fans in the Borders will soon enjoy an improved cinema in Galashiels.

The Pavilion Cinema, on Market Street, is upgrading its sound system after receiving a £67,000 grant towards the cost of work.

Pavilion manager Andrew Poole said: “We can’t wait to hear the difference this makes to the sound quality in all four screens and we’re extremely excited to be able to share that with our customers when we do reopen.”

The cinema secured cash from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund.

High-quality equipment is being installed, some of which will help customers who are visually impaired or hearing impaired.

Mr Poole said: “We’re extremely grateful to Screen Scotland for this funding which will enable us to transform our audio provision for all our customers.

“In the current economic climate, we wouldn't have been able to embark on such an ambitious project without this vital support.

“Film is an immersive experience and a film’s soundtrack is 50 per cent of that experience.

“It’s vital that we continue to offer our customers the very best experience we possibly can.

“The current sound system in the Pavilion does a good job, but it couldn’t be described as cutting edge.”

Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage said: “When we launched the Cinema Equipment Fund last year, we had no idea what 2020 was going to bring, but investing in the resilience of Scotland’s film exhibition sector is more important than ever.

“When Scotland’s cinemas reopen, they will be able to offer high-quality experiences, with varied programmes, and within local communities.”

Mr Poole says the developments will include the following upgrades:

  • Replacing all sound processors with Dolby CP950 Cinema Sound Processors enabling Dolby 7.1 sound in all four screens
  • Replacing all amplifiers with QSC DPA Cinema Amplifiers
  • Replacing all speakers with QSC Cinema Speakers
  • Installation of a Dolby Fidelio system in all four screens