We start the week off by taking a look back at some of the memorable venues that have closed their doors in Scotland, from hallowed music halls to former cinemas.
The gallery comes after the once-popular venue The Shed in Glasgow rang its bell for final orders over the weekend, with the location closing after 26 years in August with the fate of the location as of yet undecided.
It’s one of many venues that are closing at an alarming rate, with an estimated 10 venues and nightclubs closing each month from June 2020 through to June 2024, research from the Night Time Industries Association has undertaken.
In some cases the buildings undertook a new lease of life, but with very different businesses taking place under the roof, while others remain up for redevelopment over time, but into venues or accommodation, that’s up to the building planners to decide.
Did you ever have a night out at one of the venues we’ve included? Let us know by leaving a comment down below, or tell us your favourite music venue in Scotland that was lost to Father Time, or an increase in overheads.
5. The Mars Bar (Glasgow)
The Mars Bar was a key venue in the early days of the Glasgow punk scene. Despite its short-lived presence, it helped lay the groundwork for Glasgow's reputation as a city for raw, alternative music. It had a DIY ethos and attracted a mix of local punk and indie bands. Simple Minds (pictured), Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain played here in their early days. | Laurie Evans
6. The Locarno Ballroom (Glasgow)
The Locarno Ballroom was a major dance hall in Glasgow, part of the larger Locarno chain found across the UK. It played a pivotal role in the jazz and big band scenes of the early 20th century before evolving into a rock ‘n’ roll venue in the 1960s and '70s. After 1977, it was rebranded as Tiffany’s but ultimately closed in the early 1980s. | Paris-Roubaix/Flickr
7. The Arches (Glasgow)
The Arches, housed in a cavernous space under Glasgow Central Station, was one of Scotland's most iconic venues for both theatre and live music. It became a central hub for electronic music, renowned for its raves and techno nights. It also hosted an eclectic range of live performances, making it a key spot for underground culture. | John Devlin
8. Gellions (Aberdeen)
Gellions is one of the oldest pubs in Inverness, with a rich history of live traditional Scottish music. It’s renowned for ceilidh bands and local folk performances. Though not a “closed” venue, it has transformed its role in the live music scene over time. | Tripadvisor