Harleys receives £ 35,000
One of Ayr’s most popular bars and live music venues has also secured £ 35,000 in emergency funding.
Harleys, on Nile Court just off the High Street, netted the relief grant from the Scottish Government’s Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund.
Like the Gaiety, the money also came through Creative Scotland.
The grant aims to provide grassroots music venues with emergency support and prevent closure amid the effects of the Covid- 19 pandemic.
Harleys are one of 72 venues across Scotland to get their share in the £ 2.2million fund.
The bar is known for its sell- out gigs, themed quiz nights and karaoke nights.
Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland, said: “Live music has been hit particularly hard by Covid- 19, and Creative Scotland is only too aware of the severity of that impact.
“These awards, to 72 venues across Scotland, will help bring short- term stability to the grassroots music sector and alleviate some of the challenges that the ongoing pandemic has presented.
“Music is such a significant part of Scotland’s cultural life and it is here, at grassroots level, that talented musicians create new material connecting with audiences young and old.
“We look forward to the day when we’ll all be back together, cheering on artists face to face – but, until then, this fund will provide a lifeline to one of the most vibrant scenes that Scotland has to offer.”
Beverley Whitrick, strategic director of Music Venue Trust, added: “There is still a lot of work to do to support these venues through the crisis but to see so many venues awarded short- term financial support is an incredible step forward.
“We thank Creative Scotland for working so hard to make this possible and involving us in shaping the fund so it could be targeted effectively.”
A spokesperson for Harleys said: “The provision of Scottish Government funding is a lifeline for Harleys during what continues to be an extremely difficult period of closure.
“We are delighted that our efforts to promote and support all genres of live music in our area have been recognised by Creative Scotland.
“Since the pandemic struck, the health and safety of our customers, our brilliant staff, and our long list of fantastic bands and performers, has been of paramount importance.
“With this at the forefront of our minds we have continued to make decisions which we felt were in the best interests of all, regardless of the impact on the company’s finances.
“Therefore this funding is most welcome and it will certainly fulfil its intended purpose of stabilising Harleys until the end of October.
“Hopefully in due course, our governments will be able to allocate additional funding to the licensed trade with a view to sustaining the many venues and thousands of jobs within it.
“Such funding will be absolutely vital to allow our company, and many others, to survive during this period of enforced closure caused by Covid- 19.
“We are extremely appreciative of the assistance provided to us by Music Venue Trust, Creative Scotland, and the Scottish Government for allocating this financial support.
“We will be lobbying for additional much- needed support for the hospitality sector and the thousands of people employed in it to ensure the survival and well- being of everyone in our trade.”