“I think I echo the sentiments of all music lovers in the Highlands and Islands when I say I don’t care where The Ironworks moves to. As long as it’s here and it’s happening.” David Stewart MSP

Plans have now been lodged by Brick Capital to  demolish The Ironworks live music venue in Inverness to build a luxury hotel.

Readers who have been following this story in The Orkney News will know that local MSP David Stewart, Labour, has been actively campaigning to secure a new venue for live music in Inverness comparable with what The Ironworks could offer.

David Stewart, said:

“People are going to be really worried about what is going to happen to The Ironworks now. It’s a private business but it’s got a huge public interest, so the government must step in, and quickly.”

And he continued:

“This is not just about saving The Ironworks, it’s about safeguarding all the other related businesses that could be in trouble if a new home isn’t secured for the business to move into.

“I’m told by top industry bosses that while our summer festival circuit here in the Highlands and Islands is strong, it wouldn’t take an awful lot to change that.

“I look at the young acts that would be losing opportunities to play on the big stage by getting the support slots The Ironworks can give, the touring artists that would no longer be coming up to this area, and the vast numbers of people who will be denied live music with the rawness that only The Ironworks can bring, and that’s what motivates me to carry on campaigning and to continue raising this with ministers and in the Scottish Parliament.

“I think I echo the sentiments of all music lovers in the Highlands and Islands when I say I don’t care where The Ironworks moves to. As long as it’s here and it’s happening.”

David Stewart’s petition can be accessed here: Find a new home for The Ironworks live music business in Inverness