Palace Cinema

Located in the small port town of Burntisland, just south of Kirkaldy. The Palace Cinema Picture Palace opened on 11th October 1939 and was operated by the local independent operator Burntisland Associated Pictures Ltd. The architect was a Mr Wilson, who had the Royal Institute of British Architects letters ARIBA after his name.

It had a wonderful Art Deco facade and interior, a recurring theme being leaping deer in etched glass windows and panels. Seating in the auditorium was provided for 810 in the stalls and 230 in the circle.

It closed in the early 1970’s and was converted into an amusement arcade. On 16th December 1985 a disasterous fire, begun by arsonists, destroyed the auditorium and badly damaged the rest of the building. Today, the derelict facade and foyer areas still stand on the High Street. The roofless auditorium, with its burnt and charred roof beams stands behind, now almost a forest of small trees and bushes growing in the stalls area. Art Deco plaster mouldings cling to the side walls.

There were various proposals to regenerate the building back into use: demolish and build flats retaining the facade, refurbish to become a large retail store etc. Nothing happened and the building was totally demolished in 2008.

The Palace Cinema was listed on the Buildings At Risk Register.

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

garypainter on March 13, 2008 at 1:50 am

Fascinating place to explore, what with the garden sprouting up in the roofless ruin, and the projection equipment slowly rusting in situ – extensive gallery here:

View link

Latest planning refusal story here:

View link

Last we heard (Feb 08) there was a structural problem with one of the derelict shop units flanking the entrance which may have require partial demolition.

garypainter on September 15, 2008 at 10:52 am

Now completely demolished after being served with a dangerous buildings notice due to the structural problems, see the first link I posted above for photos of the work in progress – the only thing salvaged was one of the prancing deer stained glass windows, which was in surprisingly good condition.