A retro double decker bus has been transformed into a stunning mobile cinema by an Edinburgh teacher.
Michael Galinsky, from Leith, first came up with the idea two years ago and has been working on the renovation in his spare time since.
He has ripped out original features from the bus and created a top floor cinema, with social area downstairs.
Michael told Edinburgh Live: "The idea for the bus came after I went to a few open-air cinema events in the Edinburgh Festival. I thought the concept of outdoor cinema was excellent until one night the event was rained off. It got me thinking of unique ways to show films, especially films which might not make it to the big screen.
"The idea came from simply thinking of the different forms this might take and what was available to me at the time. In the past I bought, developed and sold property through auction sites so I always keep an eye on what is for sale. The bus came up and I bought it."
The majority of the materials used to renovate the bus have been recycled, taken from sites such as Gumtree, or skips and salvage yards. After removing the seats and attaching furniture inside the bus, Michael insulated the walls and paneled some sections with wood.
With a cosy upper floor to screen the films, the bottom floor of the bus contains second hand furniture as well as cinematic memorabilia and Michael explained he wanted the project to have "as little impact environmentally as possible".
As lockdown in Edinburgh enters its fifth week, Michael has had time to plan how the bus will function and in what ways the public will be able to use it.
"I’m still working, but the slower pace of work has actually given me some time to think about future plans for the bus," he said.
"I have posted on local Facebook community pages asking for ideas or suggestions as to where the bus should be placed and the response has been amazing.
"Initially I didn’t want the bus to be mobile but so many people have asked to privately rent the bus out I might give this a second look. It might be a while before it can actually show films to the public but lockdown has allowed me to start the process of finding a home for the bus."
Michael said his main goal is for different groups to come together who may not have a mainstream cinema as an option.
He said: "I would love the bus to be in a location where different people, groups and communities can use the bus and who might not have access to the big screen cinema due to distance or social means.
"I teach boys from care experienced backgrounds, this has motivated me in many aspects of my life to make sure every person has the same experiences and opportunities available to them. Even if this is just watching a film with some juice and popcorn, I would love the bus to be in a place accessible to everyone."
You can have an exclusive look at the retro buses transformation by checking out the photo gallery above.
