A SCOTTISH cinema has been voted among the best in the UK and Ireland by Time Out.

The Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) bagged the number two spot on the 50-strong list.

Much-loved in the city, it has been around since 1939 – originally known as the Cosmo – and was the first purpose-built arthouse cinema to open outside London.

The institution was beaten out only by Dublin’s Stella Cinema in the magazine's poll.

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Time Out said: "It remains a unique jewel in Scotland’s movie-going crown, with its innovative edge, state-of-the-art projectors and a diverse programming philosophy.

"Things have mostly gone digital these days, but the GFT is also the place local Nolan and Tarantino devotees come to see new releases in 35mm and 70mm on the biggest of its three screens, and is a base for the Glasgow Film Festival every year.

"Oh, and the buzzy Cafe Cosmo does a killer cheesecake too."

The GFT wasn't lonely though as it was joined by five other Scottish cinemas - with two in the top 10.

Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen landed number 47 on the list. The granite city's sole independent cinema was lauded for its proud curation policy of "anything go" - from blockbusters to the efforts of local filmmakers.

Highland Cinema in Fort William was warded number 38, being a "far-flung jewel in the country’s cine-crown," according to Phil de Semlyen in the magazine.

Entrepreneur Agnus MacDonald had the idea of restoring the picture house to his home town and did so in the style of a bothy.

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Up next at number 29 is The Hippodrome in Bo'ness. The seaside cinema, which first opened in the 1910s is known for its popular annual silent film festival HippFest.

Entering the top 10 is Camero Picturehouse in Edinburgh at number eight. One of the oldest cinemas in Scotland, it sees praise for its "architectural details like an ornamental ceiling, columns, and fancy floor tiles" which will "transport you right back to the roaring twenties," according to Time Out.

And in at number four is the home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Filmhouse. 

Time Out said: "Everything about it just oozes cool: it’s set in a former church in the city centre, showing everything from niche arthouse pictures to the latest family crowd-pleasers."