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Family sells historic cinema after more than 30 years

Andrew Poole An old cinema building with a brick faced and the name Pavilion above the entrance with a blue sky overheadAndrew Poole
The Pavilion Cinema has been in operation in Galashiels for more than 100 years

A historic cinema in the Borders has been sold after being run by the same family for more than 30 years.

The Pavilion Cinema in Galashiels first opened its doors in 1920 and has been operated by the Poole family since 1993.

Manager Andrew Poole confirmed the business had been sold to leading independent national operator Merlin Cinemas.

He said that after more than three decades in charge his family felt the time was right to "pass the baton on".

Andrew Poole A picture of cinema staff in black shirts - two men on the outside and two women in the middleAndrew Poole
The Poole family has operated the site for more than 30 years

"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 said.

"But we leave the Pavilion cinema in very safe hands.

"Merlin has 19 other cinemas across the UK - including two other Scottish sites in Ayr and Thurso."

He said that they had invested significantly in the cinema over their time in charge and the deal would ensure it continued to operate for some time to come.

Andrew Poole An interior view of the Pavilion Cinema with plush red seats and a cinema screenAndrew Poole
The Poole family said it had invested significantly in the site over the years

"We've survived the Covid crisis, the cost of living crisis, a couple of writers' strikes and the recent actors' strike," he said.

"And the cinema is still here. This deal ensures the cinema's future for many years to come."

He added that the "greatest asset" was the site's staff.

"Without their unwavering support, hard work and dedication we wouldn't have a business to hand over to Merlin," he said.

"So, I would like to thank all of them, past and present, for their time over the past 31 years.

"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."

Jim Barton A different angle view of the Pavilion Cinema on a wet day in Galashiels with cars parked in front of it with its yellow and brick facade.Jim Barton
All the staff will transfer to the new owners when the handover is completed next month

Geoff Greaves, managing director of Merlin Cinemas, said it looked forward to continuing the Poole family's "fantastic work".

"This much-loved venue has a rich history and a loyal audience, and we are excited to build on that legacy," he said.

"The cinema will remain open during the period of Merlin taking over and we look forward to a smooth transition."

The site on the town's Market Street opened in 1920 as a dance hall, theatre and cinema.

The Poole family took over in 1993, converted it to four screens in 1995 and became fully digital in 2010.

Merlin Cinemas started 35 years ago with a single-screen site in Penzance but has since expanded to operate 19 sites across the UK.