Bar owner set to give up lease

ONE of the most respected gig venues in the north could be looking for a new operator as the current leaseholder confirmed she is to concentrate on other commitments.

It was originally believed the Newmarket Bar in Thurso would only be shut during January for a winter break due to a lack of trade at this time of year. But in a statement released on its Facebook site on Tuesday night, manager Isla Mackay revealed her priorities have changed.

"I feel the day has come to move on due to other work commitments and my priorities in life changing," she said.

"My 15-year lease comes to an end soon and I am taking the opportunity to hopefully pass on the music venue to someone else who can carry on the good work we have built up getting the Newie Thurso on the live music map and enjoy it as much as I have.

"Thank you to all my friends, staff and customers who have supported me and the Newie over the last 15 years – if not for you, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today."

The news was met with sadness on the venue’s Facebook site as regular customers and bands who have performed there paid tribute to "The Newie".

One message read: "You’ve done so much great work there, the people in Thurso don’t realise what they had."

Another read: "Really sorry to hear this, we have always had a blast when we’ve played in the Newmarket!"

Miss Mackay said the move will not affect her other businesses – the Grove Lounge and Y-Not Bar and Grill – where she plans to put on live music acts.

A year ago, the Newmarket changed its status from pub, stopping daytime trade, to operate as a fully fledged music venue during evenings, hoping to emulate the success of other small music venues across the country.

The venue in Traill Street was a must stop for up-and-coming bands from across the UK and further afield touring the Highlands and also gave a platform for local bands to shine and further their careers.

It also played a major part in the promotion of the Wave North festival to coincide with several high-profile surfing events staged at Thurso East.

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed the Blackstairs Lounge in Wick will be closed for three months as the venue undergoes renovations. Owner Ryan Cook said the bar will open towards the end of March and the adjoining Breadalbane House Hotel will not be affected while improvements are being made to the bar.