The Tower Arts Centre and Digital Academy – which boasts state-of-the-art editing technology – was officially opened on Wednesday, August 26 by the SNP MSP Ms Hyslop.

The ceremony was attended by members of Scotland’s arts scene including representatives of Creative Scotland including The Culture Show, BBC Arts and Head of Glasgow Jazz Festival as well as Argyll and Bute Council, primary and secondary school teachers, patrons, members, and volunteers.

Nicola Jamieson, general manager of the Tower, said: “It was an honour that Ms Hyslop was there to officially open the Tower Digital Arts Centre.

“The Tower is now officially on the map and we are looking forward to building an exciting creative programme that will have something for everybody in the community.” The Tower Digital Arts Centre first opened last year in the old St Columba building.

It is currently undergoing refurbishment and contains 400 seats as well as an Apple computer training suite, where film makers of the future are taught how to edit films with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Baird School of TV is Scotland’s first digital skills academy equipped with latest 4k technology.

Brian Keating, founder of the Tower Arts Centre and Digital Academy, said there was only one other of its kind in Scotland and it was based in Glasgow.

The Tower Arts Centre currently employs four members of staff and has about 15 volunteers.

It regularly screens a range of films from leading arts organisations such as the English National Opera and National Theatre Live alongside performances from local drama, music and dance groups as well as school plays.

Recently, it launched a range of new film clubs and will also be launching a unique Cafe Improv event, which will be a mixture of live music, interviews and film screenings in one afternoon and evening with a pop up tea stall.

More information on the clubs is still to be released.

Ms Hyslop said she was in great support of the facility in Helensburgh.

She said: “The Tower Arts Centre and Digital Academy will be a great asset for Helensburgh and for Scotland.

“By improving access to culture, providing space for schools and local groups and specialist equipment to develop digital skills the team have created something special that meets the needs of many different people in the local community.

“It is important that all Scots have the confidence, capability, access and skills to take full advantage of the benefits the digital economy can bring.

“The staff and volunteers at The Tower Digital Arts Centre are making a big difference to this goal as well as strengthening their community and supporting the local economy.” Mr Keating said the grand opening was important for promoting arts and culture in the town and put it firmly on Scotland’s cultural map.

He added: “Ms Hyslop was so excited about the training we have on offer here.

“The centre offers the opportunity for more artists that might never have considered coming to Helensburgh and makes the centre more viable.”