'Highland music lives on' Torridon’s final gig at Ironworks

Popular Highland band Torridon admit "tears were shed" for their last ever Ironworks gig. They are another in the line of bands who were desperate to get one last show in the venue before the building gets turned into a hotel.

The boys were more organised than Peat & Diesel were on their last night but they were still every bit as desperate as them to get one final night at the venue that has been “a rock for Highland music.”

The boys kicked the night off with their opening act, Glasgow artists Arcade State. Though from Glasgow they knew what a special place the Ironworks has been.

“What an absolute pleasure to play this amazing venue before it goes”. Then they set the night on fire with their song ‘Dancing with Flames’.

They continued to rock the crowd with the singer even coming down to dance with members of the audience before bidding the venue farewell.

Then it was time for Torridon after they showed a video of them in a nearby pub before making their way over to the Ironworks.

They came onto the stage but not before having a quick dram at their on stage bar. On their ‘Burns night special’ posters for the show they hinted at some special guests for the evening.

These guests would be less of guests and more like on stage bar staff who would be serving “the finest whiskey the Highlands have to offer”.

First was barman Tony who was then replaced by Peggy, the longest serving barmaid at the Ironworks. To her they offered their gratitude for all her “hard work and drinks for all of these years”. After Peggy came Calum then unexpectedly came Highland boxing legend Gary Cornish.

Once Gary was done they then brought on Ironworks owner Caroline Campbell's son.

Their final bar staff for the night were the “heartbeat of the Western Isles” members of Peat & Diesel. They came on individually between songs and as expected when it was Boydies turn to man the bar, he instead joined Torridon on stage dancing his heart out.

Torridon showed absolute love and appreciation for the Inverness crowd. “Thanks to each and every one for coming tonight when the financial crisis is probably affecting so many of you right now”.

They also spread a message of positivity before playing ‘Lighthouse’ saying “talk to your family, talk to your friends, talk to everyone. We need to help mental health and we need to stamp out suicide”.

Part of the proceeds made by the show will be donated to Mikeysline an Inverness charity aiming to aid those who struggle with their mental health. A couple of volunteers from the organisation were down at the doors of the Ironworks, buckets in hand collecting donations from the generous fans.

Coming to the end of their night Torridon left a message for their fans in the Ironworks. “The end of this business means new opportunities so please continue to show your support for local acts. It’s been an honour to have played here from when we were very young to very old”.

“Highland music lives on and the spirit of the Ironworks will live on”.

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