Filmhouse: Iconic Edinburgh cinema not reopening until January to protect staff

Iconic Edinburgh cinema, the Filmhouse, has announced that they will not reopening in December, regardless of the Capital’s protection level, to protect their staff.

The Filmhouse won't be opening in December, even if Edinburgh moves down a tier.

In a statement on social media, the Filmhouse said: “After much thought and with heavy hearts we have made the decision not to re-open #Filmhouse or Filmhouse Café Bar in December.

“Regardless of which COVID protection level the Scottish Government places Edinburgh in, we have decided that now is the most important time to put our brilliant team first.

“While we are confident in the safety precautions we have put in place we are very aware that we have no control over contact tracing or Test and Protect.

"This year has been tough enough without taking unnecessary risks with our team’s wellbeing this close to Christmas.”

The Scottish Government will be updating the country on any changes made to the Covid restriction levels in each region.

It is expected that Edinburgh will move down from tier three to tier two.

The Filmhouse continued: “The last thing that we want is for any of our staff to be instructed to self-isolate, preventing them from seeing their family or caring for vulnerable loved ones at this time of year.

“We would have loved nothing more than to switch the lights back on at #Filmhouse, illuminating our little stretch of Lothian Road, and welcome you in to enjoy the magic of film.

“We know the joy that the shared experience of cinema brings and our role as a gathering place in our community. We love our members and customers and really look forward to seeing you in January but, for now, we have to put our team and their families first.

“We hope you understand, and we thank you for your continued support.

“We will re-open as soon as public health restrictions allow in January.”

Tuesday will also see the first day that the coronavirus vaccine is rolled out across Scotland.

On Monday, the First Minister visited the Western General Hospital to meet the staff who will be administering the jab to health workers and prioritised members of the public.

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