“Inverness is losing its buzz”

Calls for a new nightclub in Inverness have led to an online petition, as young campaigners say a lack of facilities means Inverness is losing its vibrancy.

A group of local young people, led by Innes Munro, have launched a petition calling for a new nightclub in the town.

The idea was born out of growing frustration with the lack of infrastructure for young people, which they say is contributing to the Highlands’ depopulation and a nightlife that is struggling to keep up.

Mr Munro says the town hasn’t had a “proper nightclub” since the G’s closed in 2017.

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The petition highlights two major issues facing Inverness, stating:

1. Young people are leaving the Highlands: Too many young people are leaving Inverness for cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh – or even further afield – because there’s not much here to keep them. The Highlands need more spaces where younger generations can socialize, have fun and feel part of a thriving community. Without it, the region loses its energy, its creativity and its purchasing power.

2. Inverness nightlife suffers: Inverness nightlife has been seriously affected in recent years, particularly outside of the tourist and party seasons. Fewer and fewer young people are leaving and the city is left with mostly traditional bars that don’t appeal to everyone. For many, there is simply nowhere to go.

The group believes the opening of a new nightclub in Inverness could be the spark the town needs to turn its fortunes around.

A “suitable weekend location” could help young people stay here, encourage others to come and visit and bring new life to the local economy, petition organizer Mr Munro said. of Inverness.

“Inverness is losing its dynamism,” he said. “If you’re a young person here, you feel like there’s not much going on for you.

“People are heading to Glasgow or Aberdeen to go out, and that’s money and energy leaving the city.

“We’re not just asking for a nightclub for fun, it’s about bringing life back to the Highlands and showing that it can be a place where young people really want to live.”

He added: “The petition is not aimed at any specific person but rather serves as a wider message to highlight the need for a nightclub in Inverness. My goal is to collect as many signatures as possible and attract attention to demonstrate to potential investors that Inverness is not only a tourist destination but also a vibrant year-round business opportunity.

Another member of the group added: “You go out to Inverness now, and it’s always the same vibe: traditional music bars or pubs that are dead at midnight.

“There’s nothing wrong with it if that’s your thing, but there’s nothing for those who want something more modern. A nightclub would be a game changer and give us a place where we could really have fun.

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