Scotland’s most remote village hall in running for live music honour

A tiny hall in the UK’S most remote village is in contention to be named one of Scotland’s best live music venues.

Knoydart Community Hall, which is only accessible by boat or an 18-mile hike from the nearest road, has been shortlisted for one the biggest honours at next month’s Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley.

The social hub of the 70-strong community in the village of Inverie has become a growing magnet for musi- cians over the last few years. Blue Rose Code, Talisk, Dallahan, The Bevvy Sisters, Danny Thompson, Sharon King, Mystery Juice, Breabach and The Poozies are among the acts to stage recent gigs there.

The venue, which is about to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a major renovation and extension, hosted a live streaming event to show last year’s ceremony in Dundee.

Now it could follow in the footsteps of previous best venue winners like the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, Perth Concert Hall and the Skipinnish Ceilidh House in Oban.

David Newton, Knoydart hall project manager, said: “Small communities can be socially isolated, but the events we put on can help bring conviviality and culture to the heart of the community.” Committee member Jackie Robertson said: “Our hall is the heart of our community. It creaks and leaks, but it’s where the magic happens.”

Also nominated for best venue are Glassel Hall in Aberdeenshire, Stirling’s Tolbooth and An Lanntair, in Stornoway.