The former home of The Scotsman newspaper turned into a hotel way back in 2001.

It's been a while since any headlines made a splash at the North Bridge building but the new cinema aims to show more than few blockbusters.

The boutique, 48-seat Picturehouse at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh wants to capitalise on the growing demand for unique cinema experiences.

Opening to the public on Friday 9th August 2019, the Picturehouse will a screen a mixture of classic masterpieces, the latest releases, modern cult favourites and curated cultural content such as ballets and operas. Main pic by Eleanor Bradford.

Brunch and blockbuster

Film lovers will be able to combine their favourite movie with afternoon tea or enjoy specially paired movie menus at The Scotsman’s Grand Café.

The Scotsman Picturehouse features ornate Edwardian cornice-work, wood panelling and luxurious bespoke red leather and velvet armchairs and sofas, each softly lit by table lamps.

Plasterers and joiners spent sixteen weeks creating the kind of decorative finishes which would have been seen in picturehouses during the last century.

While nodding to the past, the Picturehouse also features every mod con including USB ports and power sockets for customers who need to charge up their phones or laptops.

Edinburgh’s unique ‘vintage luxe’ cinema means the city will be able to take advantage of a growing trend for immersive cinema experiences, according to Pete Johnson from the Indy Cinema Group:

'We have seen immersive cinema experiences such as the Secret Cinema in London and Tivoli cinema in Bath grow in popularity. This brings that trend to Scotland’s capital. They appeal to young professionals who want a more luxurious cinema experience and are prepared to pay a little extra for it. I’m sure it will prove a great place for corporate screenings as well as offering the public the chance to do something completely new and exciting.'

Afternoon tea and a matinee

The Picturehouse cinema has been carefully constructed by a team of craftspeople as part of the multi-million pound refurbishment of The Scotsman hotel which was rescued by G1 group following liquidation in 2017.

Mike Wiles, Operations Manager from the Cinema Division of G1, said, 'The Scotsman Picturehouse will appeal to people who want more from a cinema experience. Whether you want to combine a movie with brunch or afternoon tea, bring your clients to a bespoke corporate screening or enjoy the best seats in the house at an opera, this beautiful venue is offers something stylish and completely different. Keep an eye on our social media channels because there are opportunities to win tickets to the Picturehouse during its opening weeks.'

For a selection of screenings, special film packages have been created which include a meal in the Grand Café - once the home of the Advertising & Notices Dept. of The Scotsman newspaper and now a stunning restaurant specialising in Scottish and seasonal produce. They include Brunch and a Blockbuster, Afternoon Tea and a Matinee and dinner followed by a movie. Prices start at £19.95 for a film package.

You can book into The Scotsman's Grand Café via 5pm.