THE operator of Scotland's mobile cinema, the Screen Machine, received his own red carpet moment at this year's Bafta awards.

Iain MacColl received a special award as the joint winner of the new Bafta competition named "For the Love of Film."

His work showing films in the Highlands and Islands via the mobile screen, "awed" the judges of the award.

Mr MacColl, who attended the Bafta ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Joanna Lumley, shared the award with Dan Ellis, the founder of the Jam Jar Cinema in Whitley Bay.

For the award, members of the public were asked to submit applications on behalf of friends or family, to honour those who showed special dedication in the film world.

Hundreds of testimonials were received and considered by the judges, chaired by Andrew Orr of Bafta.

Mr Orr said: “Iain stood out due to his long service and the wide-reaching impact of Screen Machine which has ensured that the cinematic experience is available to communities across the Highlands and Islands.

"Dan has gone above and beyond in his work at Jam Jar Cinema and has shown the importance of cinema to a local community. I was awed by their commitment to cinema."

Around 30,000 people saw films via the Screen Machine in 2018.

Last year the screen went to new locations including Jura and Bunessan in the south of Mull.

Mr MacColl has worked with the Screen Machine since it was launched in 1998 - it serves more than 40 communities across the Highlands and Islands, funded by Creative Scotland.

He said: "It is amazing to see the work of the Screen Machine being recognised by Bafta, and all the hard work that not just myself, but everyone at Screen Machine has put in over the last 21 years."

Robert Livingston, of Screen Scotland said: “I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Iain since the launch of the Screen Machine in 1998.

"It’s no exaggeration to say that, without his dedication, this lifeline service wouldn’t exist today.

"So I’m delighted that his achievement, and the wonderful world of the Screen Machine, have been recognised through winning such a prestigious competition.”

Robbi Allen, Senior Screen Executive at Screen Scotland said: "We’d like to congratulate Iain for this well earned recognition from Bafta.

"This award is a brilliant testament to Iain’s dedication to the Screen Machine, and the enjoyment of its audiences, for over 20 years.

"The Screen Machine provides a vital service to remote communities across Scotland and Iain’s role is key in bringing cinema experiences to those that would not otherwise get the chance.”

The Screen Machine operators drive the machine to its location, set it up - the trailer expands to become a 80 seat auditorium - sell tickets, welcome the audience, project the films, then close up and move on to the next location.