A host of Scottish music venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, SWG3, Sub Club, and the O2 ABC, have joined together to campaign for protection property developers intent on closing venues.

Unlike England and Wales, venues in Scotland have no current protection against developers who may plan to build nearby without considering the existence of local clubs, which often results in noise complaints from new tenants.

If an Agent Of Change system was introduced by the government, developers would have to take on responsibility to soundproof rooms on new builds near music venues.

At the moment the onus is on the venue itself to reduce noise levels in the area surrounding a new build. The potential expense has caused many venues to simply close down instead.

Geoff Ellis, of DF Concerts and King Tut’s, said: “Right now, music venues in Scotland are under threat and we need to act quickly to protect their future.

“Our venues are vital – they’re incubators for future headline acts, bring communities together through live concerts and generate £334 million to the Scottish tourism economy – therefore it’s crucial we make sure they remain open.”

The Scottish Local Government Committee is accepting evidence to support the campaign until February 2. More info is available at agentofchangescotland.wordpress.com.