The owners of an Inverness pub have won a £10,000 prize to revamp their venue into a live music haven for the region.
The Tooth & Claw, owned by James Carr and Paulina Matuszak, beat off hundreds of bars across the UK to scoop PRS for Music’s national Music Makeover competition.
The prize also includes expert advice from world-renowned producer Steve Levine.
With PRS for Music’s support, The Tooth & Claw is now vying for the title of best live music venue in the Highlands.
The competition was launched six years ago to showcase and raise awareness of how important music is to local businesses.
As part of the celebrations, PRS for Music hosted a launch party at the premises, with live performances from local Inverness artist Dr Wook and Glaswegian band Bossy Love, who had previously received funding from the PRS for Music Foundation.
Guy Fletcher, PRS chairman and competition judge, said: “We regard pubs as an essential component of our popular music culture; they provide unparalleled opportunities for emerging musical talent to develop their skills and their popularity.
“Our Music Makeover award gives PRS for Music an annual opportunity to encourage music-loving venues to support local talent and enables them to improve the quality of the music experience for both performers and their audience.”
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said: “The Highlands has always had a fantastic reputation for home grown musical talent and it is great to see venues like The Tooth & Claw give them the opportunity to showcase that talent.
“I’m pleased to see this recognised through PRS for Music’s Music Makeover competition, and I’m sure the owners will see the business go from strength to strength as a result, benefiting staff and patrons alike.”
