Inverness live music venue launches plea for donations under threat of closure
An award-winning music venue in Inverness is launching an urgent fundraising campaign to save the business.
Hootananny in the city’s Church Street has taken a “devastating” financial hit from Covid-19 lockdown and Scottish Government restrictions that leave it unable to stage live events, management says.
Operating on three floors, the high-ceilinged pub has proven popular with locals and tourists drawn to traditional Scottish folk music and a weekly ceilidh.
It has also been host to an eclectic range of live bands and comedy acts over the years.
Owned by local businessman Kit Fraser, the venture is facing crippling costs with no guarantee of an imminent return to sustainable income.
In an attempt to make ends meet, they have now set up a crowdfunding appeal in an attempt to bridge the financial gap until live audiences can be welcomed back.
Events manager Steve Robertson explained: “Hootananny is facing the very difficult challenge of trying to survive while being unable to operate as a live music venue.
“We have to pay £10,000 a month in running costs for the venue, which takes into account being open on Saturdays and a previous grant of £46,000 from Creative Scotland.
“We are an independent, family-run community music venue without cash reserves. For us, the outbreak of Covid-19 and being unable to have live music or even background music this has been a devastating blow.
“Hoots supports the livelihood of many individuals every week including bar staff, musicians, DJs, promoters, security, kitchen staff, sound engineers, cleaners and more.
“We are closed every day apart from Saturdays and that will not cover our costs.
“We don't currently know when we will be able to get back to full capacity.
“At this point, we're trying to get funding from every source possible, but we're now asking for the public’s support to save our beloved grassroots venue.”
Earlier this year, Mr Fraser was seeking planning permission to turn the two upper floors of the business into a backpackers’ hostel.
After a delay in the planning process, he underwent a change of heart and decided to keep the first floor Mad Hatters live music venue and upstairs lounge to better facilitate social-distancing.
Those wishing to help Hootananny can access the crowdfunder here
