McArthur "delighted" at Screen Machine funding announcement

Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur is "delighted" that the Scottish Government have agreed to grant £500,000 towards purchasing a new Screen Machine, following a campaign from Regional Screen Scotland.

As part of their Programme for Government 2025-26, the Scottish Government has awarded a grant of £500,000 towards Screen Machine 3. This has allowed Regional Screen Scotland to place the order with manufacturers Toutenkamion to start the build of the new machine, which is currently expected to be delivered in summer 2026.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"I know from personal experience how valuable the Screen Machine has been to communities in Orkney and across the Highlands and islands over the past 25 years. It has played an important part in the cultural lives of those living in communities across our region for the past quarter of a century.

"The threat to the future of the Screen Machine has caused understandable concern, with many constituents contacting me over the past couple of years. During that time, I’ve raised the matter in parliament on numerous occasions, with Ministers expressing sympathy and a recognition of the importance of the Screen Machine to people in Orkney and across the region.

“I'm delighted, therefore, that the Scottish Government has now followed through in providing the funding needed. This is a crucial milestone for the campaign to protect this important service and put Screen Machine on solid footing."