Raising a glass after Crowdfund saves pub

The Perth public have answered the rallying call to save a popular local venue by helping reach its £15,000 fundraising target.

The owners of The Twa Tams, Sandy Stirton and Chris Woods, saw 240 donations made to their Crowdfunder campaign, meaning the venue will be able to stay afloat and even reopen again this year.

The live music entertainment facility, established since 1975, did reopen at the start of July only to close again due to a huge decline in trade on October 31.

The Scott Street venue was to reopen on November 13 but those plans were scrapped when the region was placed in tier three of COVID restrictions.

The well-known pub received the Grassroots Music Venue Support Fund from Creative Scotland back in October, but that only saw the venue through to the start of November.

Like many businesses, the COVID restrictions took an increasing financial toll on the Twa Tams in the run up to Christmas - so it was then the pair turned to the local community for help.

And to help boost the fundrasing plea, Sandy and Chris offered those who donate access to The Twa Tams Festive Festival broadcasts of pre-recorded performances by 11 bands on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

The duo also raffled off T-shirts and prebookings for when they reopen to the public again, and co-owner Sandy could not have been happier to have reached their target.

“It was right to the wire and we are delighted at the support we have received,” he said.

“It reaffirms to us that the pub is a community place and we are absolutely delighted.

“It looks like we’ll be able to survive until at least when we think we can reopen.

“The shows went really well and had a good response from everybody. The money raised will go towards the overheads just to keep us afloat.

“It is a big building and takes a lot to heat the place also.”

Sandy said they have applied for all the available government business grants schemes, with mixed success, but revealed that their establishment should now survive thanks to the donations.

“And now we are just chomping at the bit to reopen when we are allowed to again,” Sandy added.

“We are not sure when we will be open again but by March or April we think we may be under lesser restrictions and places may be opening up again at some capacity.

“The donations and any money we receive from the government should see us through until we can open the doors again.

“Thank you to everyone who donated.” To donate go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ the-twa-tams