The cinema provided entertainment for troops

The Inverness-based Screen Machine, a 102-seat cinema, which can fit into the back of an articulated lorry, was considered to be at the cutting edge of new technology when it was first introduced.

The cinema was supposed to be a dream machine for the remotest parts of the Highlands and Islands.

However, it began to suffer more breakdowns than a burnt-out Hollywood idol and gained more of a reputation as a scream machine.

That was until it was taken to Bosnia to entertain peacekeepers, where it played 88 shows in five bases without a hitch, despite often travelling across rough terrain.

The Screen Machine's creators, Hi Arts, said they were delighted with the performance, and stressed that, like all innovations, it was going to take time to get it right.

'Standard electrics'

Acting manager Graham Campbell said: "It's the first time that different strands of technology have been brought together.

"At the end of the day its hydraulics and fairly standard electrics.

"But because it all works together and it is so complex, it only takes one small thing to go wrong and it can stop the whole show."

The 4,000-mile round trip was organised by the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC), a charitable organisation which arranges entertainment for the forces stationed abroad.

However, the Screen Machine staff were unable to enjoy a completely happy ending.

It was supposed to be in Barra at the weekend but missed the boat after breaking down.