Yet another bit of MAMA Group expansion, we're going to have to give these guys a regular slot if they keep expanding at this rate. The Barfly owners have announced they have acquired the freehold title (a bit of jargon for all your property types there) on a central Edinburgh venue called The Gig - a West End venue that was once a credible gig set up called the Caley Palais, though more recently the slightly less credible cheesy clubbing hub that was Century 2000/Revolution. MAMA plan to return the venue to its glorious past as a vibrant medium size gig venue - something the Scottish capital really needs.
Confirming the purchases, MAMA bosses Adam Driscoll and Dean James, Co-Chief Executive Officers of MAMA commented: "We are delighted to have enhanced our mid sized live music venue portfolio with the acquisition of this landmark venue. The Gig is in a unique location; ideal for live music and live entertainment. This announcement follows closely behind details of our acquisition of a similar sized venue in Birmingham. These two properties represent significant additions to our growing network of live music venues in the important Edinburgh and Birmingham markets. Our venue portfolio is now 20 strong and there remains exciting potential for further development".
Welcoming the revamp of the venue, local promoter Mark Mackie of Regular Music told CMU: "Edinburgh, the Festival City could be accused of resting on its laurels over the years and the refurbishment and re-opening of this great performance space in shadow of the castle couldn't be more central and will help Edinburgh to rock well into the future".