THE biggest cinema screen in Scotland will open in Glasgow's Science Centre following a massive upgrade.

Work to renovate the new IMAX, which is now being run by cinema chain Cineworld, is almost finished and it is due to open on Friday, October 18.

Cineworld was picked by the centre as the preferred partner to take over the IMAX earlier this year.

Bosses have promised to show educational films as well as the ­latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Among the improvements, a state-of-the-art digital projection system has been installed, which promises to ­deliver crystal-clear ­images and allows more movies to be screened at the venue.

Cineworld will eventually move to a laser digital projection system after it becomes available in 2015.

The cinema closed last month, so that work could be carried out.

It had struggled to make a profit in recent years and needed around £1million investment for new ­digital projectors.

Stephen Breslin, chief executive of the Science Centre, said: "We are very excited to work in partnership with Cineworld and upgrade our IMAX screen to offer an outstanding experience for locals and film fans.

"We're delighted with Cineworld's commitment to sustain and develop the educational value and feel this will really help in promoting science in a fun and thought provoking way."

As part of the upgrade, the new cinema will have a Starbucks.

Crispin Lilly, of Cineworld, said: "We are dedicated to support the educational programme for the Glasgow Science Centre, as well as offering visitors the chance to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases in an immersive cinema experience like no other."

Films expected to be shown in the coming months include sci-fi adventure Gravity, Captain Phillips and Thor: The Dark World.

Movie fans should visit the Cineworld website from October 15 for listings.