Highland Cinema - Community
Fort William
Highland Cinema began with a civic ambition: bring film back to Fort William and give the town centre a place in which people would want to gather.
After 15 years without a cinema, client Angus MacDonald wanted more than two auditoria. His aim was a social and cultural hub that would animate Cameron Square throughout the day and evening.
A new Highland hall
The constrained town-centre site had to accommodate substantial technical spaces without overwhelming its neighbours. Facing the square, a public “hall” containing the café-bar and gathering spaces can operate independently for food, meetings, music and events—a contemporary interpretation of the multi-purpose village halls found across the Highlands.
Behind it, the auditoria and services are broken into pitched-roof forms recalling agricultural and distillery buildings. Glen Nevis stone, Ballachulish slate, reclaimed stone from a Blarour Farm sheep fank, timber and a red corrugated roof give the cinema an identity specific to Lochaber.
Dualchas worked closely with Angus to translate his vision into a practical venue, delivered in approximately two years despite demolition and construction through the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was realised without public funding, supported by his investment and contributions from local businesses and suppliers.
Outcome
The cinema has brought film, food and events back to the centre of Fort William, creating an active frontage and a welcoming refuge on wet Highland days. Its success has been recognised by both the architectural and cinema industries.
What the client says
“The Highland Cinema is a beautiful building; it really enhances Fort William High Street and is impeccably designed inside too. A real credit to Dualchas.”
Angus MacDonald
Founder and owner, Highland Cinema
What visitors say
“The quirky new building design... shows great attention to detail. This is certainly not corporate cine world in a city!”
Tripadvisor review
Awards and recognition
HIAA Awards 2024 — Winner, Place-Making
HIAA Awards 2024 — Commendation, Best Project Overall
Big Screen Awards 2023 — Cinema of the Year, 24 screens or under
Visit and book at Highland Cinema.
