Inverness music venue set to change hands

one of likely new owners an organiser of music festivals in north

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A LEADING Inverness music venue was on the verge of changing hands last night.

It is understood that Rob Hicks and a business partner, named as Caroline MacLeod, are poised to sign a deal to lease the Ironworks from its current owner.

Mr Hicks, of Beyond Promotions, is one of the organisers of the RockNess, Loopallu and Belladrum Tartan Heart music festivals.

The live-music venue, in Academy Street, was the first of its kind in the Highlands when it was built on a brown-field site in the city centre.

Former Wolfstone guitarist Wayne MacKenzie came up with the idea for the project and attracted the finance to launch it. He set up a consortium called La Scala Entertainments to run the attraction. But a year after the Ironworks opened in July 2006, Upland Developments – which owns the land and building – terminated the lease. Since then, it is understood David Cameron, owner of the Aviemore-based development company, has continued to operate it as a wholly owned venture.

The venue, which has a capacity for up to 1,000 music-lovers, has attracted a host of big names to its stage.

It also nurtures local talents and hosts popular local club nights.

Music legend Van Morrison, DJ FatBoy Slim, indie rock band Kasabian, the Charlatans and Runrig have all performed at the venue, as have acts such as comedian Frankie Boyle. The Feeling and Thin Lizzy are among the acts set to perform at the Ironworks later this year.