The Fullarton in Castle Douglas remains shut despite easing of cinema coronavirus restrictions

Cinema goers in the Stewartry are going to have to wait a little longer to get their movie fix.

The latest easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday meant cinemas could open up for the first time this year.

But The Fullarton in Castle Douglas is remaining shut as social distancing rules mean it doesn’t make financial sense to show films on the theatre’s big screen.

The rules mean they could only accommodate 30 people and that would only turn a profit of £28 per screening.

It costs the charity-run facility £600 a month to pay the company which supplies the content while there are also running costs.

Programmer Janet Scott said: “We are tied to the Scottish Government rules and with social distancing at two metres it is unviable for us to reopen.

“I know some cinemas have reopened but they have been able to get funding from Scottish Screen as they employ people.

“We’re run entirely by volunteers and are set up as a charity so are not eligible for funding so until social distancing goes we can’t reopen.

“In England it’s one metre for social distancing in cinemas and theatres, which does make a difference, but here it is two metres.”