Kinross music venue at risk of permanent closure

A campaign to save grassroots music venues is reissuing a call for help, as one in Kinross nears permanent closure.

Backstage missed out on a major fund this summer, and it's deemed to be one of four in Scotland edging towards the point of no return.

Promoter David Mundell says the uncertainty around their future is taking its toll..

"You feel very insecure and you just don't know how long it's going to last. If we're not going to get a grant, that was given to other music venues, we just can't carry on," he said.

"Loans have to be paid back and unfortunately Backstage at the Green doesn't generate those sorts of revenues that would be able to carry on a day to day basis, and pay back a huge loan.

Mr Mundell is hoping an online fundraiser, which has so far raised over £10,000, could help keep the venue running.

A total of 30 venues across the UK are considered to be at imminent danger of permanent closure, according to the Music Venue Trust.

CEO Mark Davyd, said, “What the #saveourvenues campaign has achieved during the last 8 months is truly remarkable.

"Thanks to the efforts of music fans, local communities and the wider music sector we have raised over £3m in donations and have unlocked over £80m in government assistance to help stave off the imminent closure of over 400 grassroots music venues.

"We are now focusing exclusively on those 30 remaining venues which face immediate permanent closure.

"If people want these local venues to still be there when this is over there is a very clear call to action: choose a venue, get donating, get writing, get calling, get organised. Save them all. Reopen Every Venue Safely.”

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