10 former Edinburgh cinemas that have been given a new lease of life

By David McLean

Published 14th Jan 2021, 00:58 BST

There have been in excess of one hundred picture houses in Edinburgh down the decades, but only a select few stand today and barely a handful have retained their original use.

From the art deco former Roxy at Gorgie Road to the cavernous Playhouse at Greenside, we take a look at 10 former Edinburgh cinemas that have taken on a new lease of life in recent years.

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9. La Scala, Nicolson Street

A popular haunt for many a Southsider back in the day, the La Scala was one of Edinburgh's oldest cinemas, opening in 1912. It was renamed the Classic in 1974 and later became a bingo hall. Photo: PHIL WILKINSON

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10. The Playhouse, Greenside

Originally intended to be a live variety theatre and able to accommodate 3,400 spectators, the Edinburgh Playhouse opened in 1929 as the city's first "super cinema". No longer a picture house, The Playhouse has hosted live entertainment almost exclusively since 1987. Photo: TSPL