Glasgow’s former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) could be transformed to recognise some of the country’s most influential musicians across all genres.
The building closed its doors earlier this year and ScotsRock confirmed it would bid for the site.
Among those backing the proposals is Ronnie Gurr, who has worked with musicians ranging from Culture Club and Alison Moyet to Stereophonics and Kula Shaker.
Kula Shaker. (Image: Supplied)
Joining Mr Gurr as a senior curator on the curational team is respected music journalist and broadcaster Billy Sloan, alongside former television and radio producer Nick Low as project manager and filmmaker Craig Martin as visuals creator.
Mr Gurr, who lives in Dunbar, said: “Scotland’s rock music heritage is one of our greatest cultural assets.
“ScotsRock represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve that legacy while creating a major new visitor destination that will support tourism, education, the creative industries and the next generation of Scottish musicians.”
Ronnie Gurr is among those involved in the project (Image: Contributed)
The project has already secured a founding donation and the support of some of Scotland’s most influential musicians and music industry figures.
ScotsRock has now confirmed that it will submit a proposal and formal bid to locate the venue and establish its permanent home within the former CCA on Sauchiehall Street.
ScotsRock will become the first venue of its kind dedicated to honouring the musicians, bands, producers, songwriters and pioneers who have placed Scotland firmly on the global rock music map.
Midge Ure. (Image: Coal Poet Media)
The project has also attracted the support of leading figures from Scottish music, including Midge Ure, Lulu, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Travis and Del Amitri.
Mr Gurr said that there was a vast range of musicians who could be recognised in the venue.
He said: “There is an introductory film and it could not be any shorter.
“There are so many names that came up and that keep coming up.
“I have got my own personal favourites and I could trot off a list and keep you on the phone for the next hour and a half – and still miss off somebody!”
ScotsRock has been made possible through a substantial seed donation from prominent Scottish social entrepreneurs and lifelong music supporters Bill and Fiona Gordon.
Their initial financial commitment will establish the organisation’s foundations, supporting the creation of a permanent exhibition and visitor experience, as well as a live performance venue, educational and outreach programmes, a creative industries hub supporting emerging music and creative businesses, archive and heritage facilities, and a year-round programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions, concerts, talks and special events celebrating both Scotland’s rock music legacy and its current artists
Del Amitri (Image: SJM)
Mr Gordon said: “Scotland has given the world some of the most iconic voices in rock music.
“From the tenements of Glasgow to stages in Tokyo, New York, Sydney and beyond, Scottish artists have earned their place in history.
“It’s time we built something here at home that reflects that legacy and passes it on to future generations.”
It is hoped that the venue could open its doors by the summer of 2028.