The Oscar-winning British actress, Judi Denchwrote to Scotland’s Head of Government (First Minister) Hamza Yousaf to highlight children’s concerns about the future of a mobile cinema.

For 25 years the Screen Machine mobile cinema has been touring 40 communities in Scotland. It needs £1.4 million for a new specially-built vehicle to transport films to the Scottish Isles and Highlands, according to the BBC.

Pupils at Castlebay Community School on the Isle of Bara enlisted the actress’ help in raising awareness of the situation and she took their concerns to the Scottish First Minister.

The Scottish Government has announced that Hamza Yousaf has received Judi Dench’s letter and will respond in due course.

It added that last year it provided £176,000 to keep the mobile cinema temporarily operational.

The Screen Machine service is run by the non-governmental organization Regional Screen Scotland. The van, with a small cinema in its trailer, tours remote areas of Scotland.

However, the purpose-built vehicle is out of service due to damage and another truck had been leased until the end of 2023. However, there is no funding to continue the tours in 2024.

Last September, the organization warned that the service could be shut down if funding is not found.

The students from the Isle of Barra decided to seek help from the British actress when they saw her on TV talking about her love for Scotland.

In her letter, Judi Dench says she hopes the Scottish Government can help ensure the mobile cinema tours continue and praised the children’s efforts.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Government understands the unique cultural contribution Screen Machine makes to communities that would otherwise struggle to visit the cinema.”