Ross-shire councillor slams 'talking shop cop-out' over bid to save Iornworks music venue in Highland capital
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Highland Council has rejected the chance to directly help sustain the Ironworks as music venue for the north instead opting to establish a stakeholder group to work towards “sustainable outcomes”.
A bid by two Highland Councillors to offer the hugely popular Ironworks a lifeline was voted down – another decision that is further likely to hit a bum note with music fans.
The earlier acceptance of a planning application for a hotel on the site of the music venue sparked fury from many locals desperate to retain the purpose built concert live gig facility in the city.
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Ross-shire councillors Molly Nolan and Morven-May MacCallum sought to get political backing to sustain the institution of the venue in other premises in the city.
Their motion called for the council to direct “the administration to work with the management of the Ironworks to ensure that this cultural asset is not lost to the Highlands.”
Instead Councillor Morven Reid put forward an amendment that sought to establish a review to look at making cultural venues sustainable.
It read: “Highland Council agrees to assist with the formation of a Stakeholder Group and invite partners and stakeholders to review the creative and cultural importance of music and creative arts in all of the Highlands towards sustainable outcomes.”
At the suggestion of Cllr Chris Ballance that was further changed to include a requirement to report back to the communities and place committee.
Cllr Nolan said: “It’s utterly grim that the SNP-Independent administration has refused to back the Ironworks today.
“It’s abundantly clear that the people of the Highlands do not want to lose this institution, and the message they have been sent today is that their Council administration does not care.
“Replacing full-throated support for the Ironworks with a stakeholder talking shop is a cop-out that will not save this treasured venue.”
