A touring cinema has confirmed its position on its return to Cumbrae.

The Screen Machine, run by the Regional Screen Scotland charity, has said that they are not expected to return to the island yet.

Its visits were a hugely popular attraction on Cumbrae until last year when the island was taken off the schedule due to access issues around the use of a new vehicle.

The cinema is an 80-seat air-conditioned, digital mobile cinema service that has been bringing the latest films to over 40 communities of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland since 1998.

A temporary mobile cinema is currently in use, but it is unable to access Cumbrae.

And the lease of the temporary 'Cinemobile' vehicle runs out in April, leaving major doubts about the service's future after that date.

The News asked last week for an update on the return, and a spokesperson has confirmed there are currently no plans - but promised an announcement if that were to change.

We previously told how stage and screen star Dame Judi Dench has given her backing to calls to save the cinema - sparking a delighted response from a Cumbrae councillor.

Dame Judi wrote to First Minister Humza Yousaf to highlight the concerns of children on Barra over the potential loss of the mobile cinema, according to the BBC.

READ MORE: Oscar winning Judi Dench writes to First Minister to save Screen Machine

A spokesperson for the Screen Machine said: "We can't confirm that Screen Machine will be returning to Millport, though - of course - we'd love to bring the cinema back to Cumbrae, having been unable to visit since March 2023.

"If and when the position changes, we'll be delighted to make an announcement."