This morning, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, highlighted in Parliament the campaign to replace the Screen Machine.

In a question to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, the islands’ MSP stressed the invaluable nature of the Screen Machine to island and rural communities, and called on the Cabinet Secretary to support Regional Screen Scotland in accessing the necessary funding to buy an up-to-date, greener vehicle.

In response, Angus Robertson MSP confirmed that he would be meeting with Regional Screen Scotland next week to discuss the matter, and that he recognised the value of the service for rural and island communities.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“I met with Regional Screen Scotland earlier this week, and welcomed the opportunity to raise the campaign for a replacement Screen Machine vehicle in the chamber today.

“I am grateful to all the many constituents who have already been in touch with me to express their wholehearted support for the continuation of the Screen Machine facility.

“The Cabinet Secretary has asked MSPs to send examples to him of constituency correspondence regarding the Screen Machine before he meets with Regional Screen Scotland next week. Please get in touch with me if you have an example of the importance of the Screen Machine for your local community, if you have not already done so. I will be sending as many examples as possible on to the Cabinet Secretary’s office at the start of next week to demonstrate the strength of feeling about the vital nature of this cultural provision across the Western Isles.”

Alasdair’s question and the Cabinet Secretary’s response can be viewed here.