Glasgow venue the Glad Cafe has launched an appeal to raise funds to repair its roof, following a £40,000 bill for repairs to its Shawlands premises.

The owners are asking its supporters to donate £3 which they believe would get the seven-year-old southside venue well on its way to reaching the total needed to keep the gig space and cafe open.

As well as live music the Pollokshaws Road venue has garnered a reputation for hosting art exhibitions, films, talks, comedy and theatre

The not-for-profit social enterprise employs 16 people in the venue/cafe as well as its Glad Rags shop and Glad Foundation music charity.

Housed in a listed building which the Glad rent and shares with 10 shops and 24 households, the venue opens onto the street, but the premises is at ground level behind the tenement, meaning the roof, as well as protecting performers from the elements, also provides a drying green and bin shelter area for the tenement flats.

This has seen staff having to move customers away from wet spots and shift electrical equipment to safety, but the promise of grants to cover half the costs of a complete refurbishment to the roofs, stonework and guttering of the whole building will, hopefully, mean that this far-from-ideal situation can be arrested – at a cost. The Glad Cafe’s share is £40,000.

Deacon Blue have already agreed to play an intimate acoustic gig to 120 people in September to help boost the fund.

More, including the donation page, at www.thegladcafe.co.uk.