George Cinema

In Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, the Pavilion Cinema was opened in 1911 by George Urie Scott, on ground originally used a cooperage.

It replaced his earlier Barrhead Picture Playhouse, which had been converted from a roller skating rink.

By 1926 the Pavilion Cinema was owned by Scott Theatres Ltd. and advertised “Pictures and Variety”, utilising its 22ft deep stage.

When the talkies arrived, an Electrocord sound system was installed. It was rebuilt in 1935 to the plans of architectural firm McNair & Elder. Now with a Western Electric(WE) sound system, the seating capacity was given as 1,000.

The Pavilion Cinema was acquired by George Palmer in the 1960’s. It was refurbished, and renamed the George Cinema from 1969. This resulted in the seating capacity reducing to 650.

Unfortunately, this was not enough to save the cinema, and it closed in 1977 - though perhaps an attractive offer was forthcoming, as the site had been earmarked for the new dual carriageway.

However, in July 1978 - with, presumably, the site no longer required for the road improvements - the Barrhead Arts Guild announced it had signed a lease to operate the building as a community theatre. The initial period was for three years (with the first three months rent-free), but the Guild stressed that funds need to be secured to bring the former cinema back into use (despite the recent refurbishment and that the building was in “excellent structural condition”).

The community theatre did open, and hosted local events such as the Gala Talent Competition, The Radio Clyde Road Show and a Barrhead High School theatre production.

However, it appears that it was not sustainable, and the building was demolished in the mid-1980’s.

A block of flats (overlooking the dual carriageway) now occupies the site.

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