Shining a light on MacArts

In this article we showcase local music and arts venue MacArts and share the fascinating story of the visionary spirit who is the inspiration behind it. Scotland’s first impresario and “The man who brought the Beatles to Scotland” – Duncan Mackinnon.

We are delighted to shine a light on MacArts, a vibrant live music and arts venue in our neighbouring town of Galashiels or ‘Gala’ as it is known locally. Housed in a beautiful former church, MacArts is fast becoming the place to gig in the Borders, and in 2019 it was named as “one of Scotland’s top 4 music venues” by GQ Magazine.

MacArts hosts live music from national and international touring artists, as well as providing a platform for up-and-coming local acts too. The venue also hosts comedy, theatre and community events. This independent community arts venue is run by a small but enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

MacArts is run by the Duncan Mackinnon Music and Arts Trust, a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Duncan Mackinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed in December 2011 to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art theatre, music and arts venue in the former St Andrew’s Arts Centre, a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels; this space is now known as MacArts.

Whilst MacArts is a work in progress, the Trust has already made improvements to ensure the building currently offers a viable venue which is fully functional and open for business. The long-term aim of the Trust is to convert and fully refurbish this stunning former church building and create a vibrant, accessible, multi-purpose facility which will provide cultural, educational, recreational, economic and social benefits to local communities and visitors alike.

From national and international touring artists, up and coming local bands, renowned comedians and theatre events, don’t miss a thing. Take a look at the eclectic line-up at www.macarts.scot