Supporters of the Belmont Cinema are being encouraged to contact their Scottish Parliamentary candidates in Aberdeen and the North East ahead of the upcoming election, as campaigners look to build on the strong cross-party backing the project received throughout Session 6 of the Parliament.
Drawing on the vision to reimagine the Belmont, campaigners say reopening the cinema is not simply about restoring a much-loved venue, but about creating a sustainable, community-focused cultural hub in the heart of Aberdeen, supporting the city centre, growing the creative economy, and widening access to independent and international film.
The campaign has now published its key asks of all candidates standing on Thursday 7 May, calling for continued political leadership to reopen the cinema, increased investment in cultural infrastructure, and delivery of a more sustainable funding landscape. Having secured broad support from across the political spectrum in the last parliamentary session, campaigners say the focus now is on ensuring that commitment carries through into Session 7.
Supporters are being encouraged to contact their local candidates directly, raise the issue during canvassing, and share their own experiences of the Belmont to highlight its importance to the city.
Matt Buchanan, Chief Executive of The Belmont Cinema, said the moment was pivotal:
In Case You Missed it:
“We’re clear that the Belmont has always been more than a cinema. It’s a space for community, creativity and connection in our city centre. Reopening it would not only restore a much-loved venue but also deliver a real boost to the local economy and create new opportunities for learning, participation and creative work.”
Jacob Campbell, Chair of the Board adds: “Our vision sets out what the Belmont can be once again. We know that we benefited from strong cross-party support across the last session of the Parliament, and we want to see that commitment carried forward into Session 7, allowing us to turn that shared ambition into reality. This election gives us a real opportunity to maintain the political backing needed to reopen the Belmont successfully and sustainably. That’s why we’re asking everyone who cares about the Cinema to speak up and make sure it’s recognised as a priority project for Aberdeen.”
The Belmont Cinema’s asks of Parliamentary candidates can be found on its website.
