YOUR VIEWS: What now for live music in Inverness?

After the closure of the Ironworks readers shared their thoughts about the music in the city – and also discussed the future for the Sleeper train service.

What now for live music in Inverness?

After the Ironworks closed last weekend, to make way for a new hotel, thoughts are turning to where else in Inverness music lovers can – or possibly could – get their fix. In an editorial we also asked whether the closing of the venue was an act of cultural vandalism, or just business.

“Inverness is turning into a ghost town of closed shops and venues, literally in front of our eyes. Online shopping did it. That’s my theory. All we’ll have left is vape shops and charity shops (worthy of their place), but all the big retailers are closing. What will we have to offer the tourists who visit??” – Keeley Tarff

“We do have other smaller venues which are bars with occasional live music but they are nothing like large enough to host the bands the Ironworks can.” – Kim Corbett

“Well if we have to lose the only band-worthy establishment then I wonder how many people want to put together a people’s fund to buy another property with the capacity to hold live music. Share holding in a business and run by local people. Where there is a will there is a way.” – Sam West

“The telephone exchange opposite the Ironworks is empty.” – Richard Paxton

“The Raigmore (Hotel) have hosted rakes of ace bands over the years, so many great nights there! It would be great if they put gigs back on.” – Allan Scobbie

“Ice rink is a great venue for bigger bands.” – Matiss Ancsons

“Eden Court’s One Touch Theatre is ideal. A venue made for live events that has the capacity for seated and standing. Problem sorted. There’s also Botanic House.” – Craig Noble

“Has the old post office sorting office next to Rose Street been sold/being used? Seems like it would be a big space, perfect for a venue and it’s next to bus station to bring people in and out.” – Doug Ruff

“No real band worth their salt will come to the Highlands to play in a pub. Has to be a bigger venue to attract established acts.” – John Ramage

“It’s cultural vandalism. Yes business is business etc and we all know money talks but what really gets me is the location of another hotel. Why did it have to be here?? If there’s a shortage of hotel rooms in the tourist season of course there must be more hotels but do they have to be right in the city centre??” – Kim Corbett

“It’s the world we live in, like it or not. If someone owns property, they’re allowed to sell it to whomever they wish.” – Lorraine Mann

Who will take on the Sleeper?

Speculation is growing over who will operate the Caledonian Sleeper service between Inverness and London from this summer. It is currently operated by Serco but the Scottish Government is terminating the contract in June – seven years early.

“All I can say is, thank God that Serco’s contract has been terminated. They have actually reduced what was an extremely efficient and good value service under First Scotrail into a sorry farce which cannot even deliver the basics. Rather than getting the basics right, they’ve concentrated on ridiculous marketing campaigns which present the train as something which it plainly isn’t and can never be. The poor front-line staff are at their wits’ end with it all. I spent £170 on a first-class ticket from London to Inverness on the night of Monday 23 January, trying to get back to Kyle of Lochalsh. The train left London two hours late and arrived in Inverness well over an hour late. There was no food on the train at all for a 12 hour journey, not even a cup of tea. The only drink available was two bottles of water in the room. A young staff member working on board the train was on the verge of tears because there was a vulnerable elderly couple in the room next door travelling back to a village near Wick and she couldn’t even bring them a cup of tea, despite them having paid hundreds of pounds for a first-class ticket. The poor front-line staff that day were as horrified as I was. I dread to think of the financial damage and damage to the reputation of the service that Serco’s shoddy management is causing.” – Edward Millband

“Convinced it’s getting nationalised.” – Alistair Gow

“Alistair Gow hopefully they do better than the ferries.” – Andrew Gillies

“Time for it to go. Cost government too much money.” – Di North

“Di North, it could be an extremely valuable link which justified the subsidy. The problem is that it’s been very badly run by Serco who have let down passengers and staff alike with hare-brained schemes and prioritised extravagant marketing campaigns over basic customer care.” – Edward Millband

“Edward Millband, it also avoids an overnight (ouch) in London hotels. Loved the old one, testing the replacement in March for London to home in Inverness.” – Kathleen Gell

Letters should be emailed to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk. Please include your address and a daytime telephone number. You can also tweet us: @InvCourier or leave a comment on Facebook @invernesscourier

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