The Hippodrome, Bo'ness

Image: © Alan Murray-Rust Taken: 7 Jun 2013

Built in 1912, it has significance as the oldest surviving building in Scotland built as a cinema, and as an early example of a building incorporating Modernist Movement detailing and ideals. It is the work of local architect Matthew Steele. The circular auditorium suggests that shows other than cinema showings were envisaged - the owner was a local showman - but the original drawings show that provision was made for projecting films from the outset. Indeed not long after opening, this became its exclusive use. Like many cinemas it fell into decline in the 1960s and became a bingo hall in the 1970s before complete closure in 1980. Between 2006-08, restoration was undertaken by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. Now in the care of Falkirk Council, it again functions as a cinema, along with other community functions. Various alterations to the building were made over the years to keep up to date, such as the second storey at the corner, with dome, added in 1936 to provide additional office and foyer space, but the core of the original structure remains. First listed in 1979, it was upgraded to Category A in 2004. http://data.historic-scotland.gov.uk/pls/htmldb/f?p=2200:15:0::::BUILDING:22380 . http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/hippodrome/history.aspx

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