Barbarian memories of the town’s cultural landmarks

Apr 2 2009 Blairgowrie Advertiser

DEAR Editor, – Recent correspondence concerning the iconic and historic facade of Quinn's Picture House in Reform Street brought to mind that I was at the final screening of a film there 25 years ago, Conan the Barbarian.

It then occurred to me that the lack of a cinema in Blairgowrie is a terrible loss to the culture of the town.

A cinema is not just a place where films are shown, it is also a meeting place for young and old alike.

That thought leads me to the site of the Hill Primary in Blairgowrie.

In due course, plans will have to be made for its change of use.

It is a prime site, in the heart of the town, and which could have the potential to bring back the cultural needs of the town.

Just imagine a small cinema which also has a stage, to be used for live performances by bands or stage productions, and which can also be hired for private functions, such as weddings.

The old school site could also incorporate a licensed cafe, open from morning until late, serving simple, good food or just coffee and drinks (similar to the DCA in Dundee).

There could be smaller rooms for hire for group classes, a pay as you go gym, and a small museum with short-term art exhibition spaces.

With all these possibilities under one roof in a completely revamped building for the 21st century and beyond, there would be a wonderful hub for social interaction in the town, which for so long has been sadly lacking.

I think about small towns in France such as Morzine or Courchevel, or Engelberg in Switzerland, ski resorts. Blairgowrie could loosely call itself the same, albeit on a smaller scale, but with more summer tourists.

Those little European towns have cinemas, sports halls, indoor climbing walls and 10 pin bowling alleys.

They are used by tourists and locals alike.

However, Blairgowrie has a far larger permanent population than any of them and so should be able to utilise fully such civic amenities throughout the year, not just in the winter tourist season.

So, come on residents of Blairgowrie, do not let the demise of Quinn's Picture House be the end of collective culture in the town.

Fiona M. Kempton,

Craigie Hill,

Drumoig, Fife.