Crime novelist Ian Rankin has backed proposals to create a permanent cinema in the village of Cromarty.
The screen, accommodating 30 people, would be built near the shore in front of the village lighthouse at a cost of £230,000.
It is the brainchild of the Cromarty and Resolis Film Society (CRFS) which has won praise for its successful annual film festival.
Locals were updated on the current funding plans and the latest designs at a second public consultation this week.
As much as £100,000 LEADER funding is being sought as well as more through Creative Scotland, SSE, and the group has also set up a crowd-funding page online.
Rebus author Rankin told the Press and Journal: “Cromarty is passionate about cinema – as evident in its annual film festival – and this would be a positive contribution to the town and its residents and visitors.”
There would likely be between one and two screenings a week that would include children or family films and the latest releases.
One of the CRFS Trustees, Fraser Mackenzie, said: “We had the idea about a year ago. We did about 10 festivals and thought that would be it after the last one.
“But there was no legacy so that is where the cinema comes in and we wanted to leave something permanent.”
He added the plans are at an “embryonic” stage with much work to do to get funding and planning but the project is moving forward.
He said: “We have had positive discussions with the landowner, we did two rounds of public consultations and an update of the plans last Tuesday.
“The feedback we got from that was very positive which was encouraging with almost everyone for it.”
Mr Mackenzie and the other trustees hope that Eden Court would play a major role in the project with both technical and ticketing support.
He said: “We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with Eden Court through the festival and we very much hope that it could be continued.”
The plans have already interested the Scottish film community including Matt Lloyd, the director of the Glasgow Short Film Festival.
Mr Lloyd said: “Personally, as director of Glasgow Short Film Festival, I would jump at the chance to screen films in a state-of-the-art microcinema overlooking the Cromarty Firth.
“It would bring quality releases to the doorstep of those who – for a variety of reasons – cannot easily get into Inverness to attend the cinema.”