Merlin Cinemas has given film fans a sneak peak into the renovations of the former Odeon complex in Ayr. 

The facility on Burns Statue Square is set to make its grand comeback on Friday, March 29, almost ten months after the former owners opted to close the venue in June last year.

Now to be called the Astoria Cinema, the venue will be only the second to be operated by Merlin in Scotland.

The new owners have now given a sneak peak into the ongoing renovations of the building ahead of its relaunch in a few weeks.

The Astoria building first opened in 1938 and is the only surviving cinema in Scotland which was purpose-built for the Odeon company.

Its iconic landmark tower and magnificent design make an important contribution to the streetscape of Ayr and Burns Statue Square.

The cinema has required repairs and improvements before it can re-open, although Merlin say they remain committed to improving the cinema further and enhancing the film-going experience for the local community.

They have also made it their mission to ensure that the cinema experience in Ayr remains affordable for all.

Standard tickets are priced from £5, and further savings can be made with Merlin’s Movie Magic card "offering big screen entertainment at the small price of just £4 all year round".

The cinema will be showing a range of hotly anticipated new release films on opening including: Kung Fu Panda 4; Godzilla x Kong; The New Empire; Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire; Bob Marley: One Love; Dune: Part Two, and Migration.

Their regular programme will also feature special 'revival screenings' of cinema favourites and event cinema productions including opera, ballet, theatre and music concerts.