Who didn't turn up to Elton's hen night?
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New Year brings venue openings and closures to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Words: Allan Radcliffe
t seems 2()()(i will be the year for ringing in a host of new venues across the central belt while waving goodbye to others. ()t‘ the up-aml-colning openings. the most immediate is the resurrection ol‘ the (‘ity Halls
and Old liruitmarket ill (ilasgow. refurbished at a cost of
El} million. The adjacent Victorian buildings have been merged into one complex. the (iait. which is set to l‘orm a world-class music venue and exhibition space and permanent home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. while the Scottisll (‘hamber Orchestra and Scottish linsemble will also stage concerts in the l()()()-seater auditorium. While the (‘ity llalls are currently awaiting completion. the Old l’ruitmarkel venue opens its doors on l‘lltlil)’ l3 .lanuary ill time for this year‘s (‘eltic (‘onnections liestiyal. kicking off with an eagerly anticipated performance by Irish l'estiyal showstoppel‘s Limasa. This venue will also play host to such giants ol’ the (elite
illtlsic scene as Donnie Munro. the former lead singer of
Runrig. aild Roddy lirame ol‘A/tec Camera.
To offset this excitement. there is bad news to mark the start of the year. In recent issues The List has followed the predicament ol‘ lidinbtlrgll's New Street Studios. home to 50 artists. Now. as predicted. it is finally closing. awaiting demolition. Meanwhile. the future of' lidinhurgh music venue Studio 24 remains in serious doubt. while the Venue — at least in its current location will be history by the end of the year. Prospects for the (‘ameo (‘inenla are equally uncertain as the current owners seem determined to sell the building. and a planning application l‘or at least a partial change of use remains lodged with lidinburgll (‘ity Council.
On the east coast. the immediate future of (ilasgow's (‘(‘:\ exhibitions programme is shrouded in mystery as a new director is yet to be appointed. The latest whisperings suggest the venue‘s exhibition spaces will be dark for three months following current \‘lsllal art show. reopening with at Ross Sinclair exhibition as part of the (ilasgow International ill April. Welcome to 2()()(ll
MIXED NEWS FOR SCOTLAND'S ARCHITECTURAL GEMS
I The owners of St Peter’s Seminary at Cardross have been accused of
woeful neglect following the desecration of the A-listed building’s altar (left) by vandals. The Archdiocese of Glasgow has repeatedly failed to secure the building, which was voted Scotland's most important modern building by architecture magazine Prospect in October. Meanwhile, Historic Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council, the bodies responsible for protecting listed buildings, have done nothing to enforce its maintenance and repair. The desperate neglect of the seminary stands in marked contrast to the careful preservation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s fine Scotland Street School Museum, which is 100 years old this year. Celebrations kick off with two photographic exhibitions, They Shall Grow Not Old, documenting a visit to Normandy, and Then and Now. (AR)
I Those industrious rockers Franz Ferdinand may surprise fans by releasing their third album earlier than expected. The Glasgow band are to capitalise on the global momentum garnered by second album You Could Have It So Much Better by heading into the studio within weeks to record around 12 new tracks.
I Fans of Al- Kennedy have reason to celebrate as the Oxfam bookshop on Glasgow's Byers Road has produced a CD of extracts of her work read by the author and fledgling stand—up. The CD was recorded using facilities at the Royal National Society for the Blind with the artwork designed by a volunteer and all proceeds gomg to the Oxfam charity.
I A world-class community arts centre is to be established in Sri Lankathanksto Glasgow’s Hikkaduwa Fund, set up to provide relief following last year’s Boxing Day tsunami. The Creation Centre will provide opportunities for eight to ten visual artists, dramatists and musicians, and is designed to boost tourism and regenerate the economy in the Hikkaduwa area.
I This year's World Book Day. to be held on 2 March. will involve 12 of the biggest names ill fiction and non fiction. publishing ‘Quick Reads‘ aimed at emergent readers. These short. fast- paced books will include titles by Ruth Rendell. Minette Walters and Joanna Trollope. while devotees of the be-scarfed time traveller can look forward to a mini Doctor Who adventure.
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