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.
13. Downstairs (Aberdeen)
The Malt Mill is a central fixture in Aberdeen’s live music scene, with Downstairs becoming known for its intimate gigs and supporting emerging local talent. The venue offered an important platform for grassroots musicians, but Downstairs closed down due to the influx of newer venues opening in the area. | Google Maps
14. The Venue (Aberdeen)
The Venue was an indie and rock music hotspot in Aberdeen during the 1990s and early 2000s. With its intimate setting, it was a staple of the city’s live music scene, hosting both local and international acts. It saw performances by the likes of Travis and Elbow but closed in 2006. | Google Maps
15. Motherwell Concert Hall (Motherwell)
Motherwell Concert Hall has been a key venue for music, theatre, and events for decades and while not strictly cloused down, it has temporarily closed "with immediate effect" following discovery of dangerous RAAC materials in the roof. No date has yet been established when a re-opening may occur. | Contributed