Family-run Scottish cinema bought by UK chain after three decades
The Pavilion Cinema has been sold to UK-wide chain Merlin Cinemas.
The move concludes 31 years of management by the Poole family, who decided that the time was right to "pass the baton on".
Andrew Poole, the cinema manager, said: "After 31 years of running the Pavilion Cinema, we now feel the time is right to pass the baton on.
"During our tenure at the Pavilion, my family and I have enjoyed tremendous support from over three million amazingly loyal customers and we can't thank them enough for their custom, through the good times and the bad times."
He added that the cinema was being left "in very safe hands", joining Merlin's portfolio which includes two other Scottish sites in Ayr and Thurso.
Poole highlighted the family's investment of more than £750,000 over the past 30 years.
This includes converting to digital cinema in 2011, replacing all seats in 2016, and upgrading the sound system in 2020.
Poole said: "We've survived the Covid crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, a couple of writers' strikes and the recent actors' strike.
"And the cinema is still here."
The sale ensures the Pavilion's future for many years to come, with all employees set to continue their roles under the new ownership.
Poole said: "The greatest asset this business has is its staff.
"I'm delighted to say that all our employees will be transferred to Merlin with their employment continuing with them when the handover completes in mid-June."
Geoff Greaves, managing director at Merlin Cinemas, said: "We look forward to continuing the fantastic work done by the Poole family in offering a wide selection of current films and providing a warm welcome to all the cinema's customers.
"The cinema will remain open during the period of Merlin taking over and we look forward to a smooth transition."
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