A £35,000 lifeline for Falkirk live music venue

Temple, in Burnbank Road, is one of dozens of music venues across Scotland which will receive emergency funding from the Scottish Government in a bid to battle the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus.

Temple, which is home to DJs and hosts regular live sets from a wide variety of local bands and acts from further afield, was awarded £35,000 in support from the £2.2 million Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund.

Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson welcomed the funding for the popular night spot.

He said: “Scotland is well known for its vibrant live music scene and this fund shows the industry, which has been among the worst affected during the pandemic, can count on the Scottish Government’s support.

“With most venues having been unable to open their doors since March, and with restrictions on social gatherings having tightened again this week, it’s clear this sector faces a long road to recovery.

“However, I’m hopeful this vital cash lifeline for popular music venues such as Temple Falkirk will help them through this difficult time and ensure that they will be able to reopen again as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland, added: “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.”