From clubs to cinema, it's still a tough business

His interest in picture houses is not new – he already owns two and launched an unsuccessful bid to buy the Cameo in the capital's Tollcross district

Cinema is now booming, having been transformed from a miserable and dying industry in the 70s to a relaxing experience enjoyed by thousands in clean and comfortable facilities.

It is not surprising that Mr King should look beyond the licensed trade to expand his empire. In Glasgow especially, it can be a nasty business and for legitimate operators like Mr King criminals can make life very dangerous. One businessman ended up in hospital for refusing to allow his premises to be used for the kind of trade in which ex-city council leader Stephen Purcell became caught up. Mr Purcell forgot that by associating with drug-dealing gangsters he not only put himself at risk, but endorsed their actions.

So as another arm of the evening entertainment world, building up a movie business seems logical but is not without its challenges. The difficulty will be finding the right locations. If the Edinburgh's much-venerated Dominion faces a constant battle for survival against the might of the multiplexes, Mr King will not find it easy.