A DUNFERMLINE live music venue has "never looked back" after pandemic rules were eased.
PJ Molloy's has been focusing on what it does best – hosting some of the city's best talent – since restrictions were lifted, despite a drop in ticket sales for the industry.
"We have been really busy since we were able to open fully," said Calum Miller, from the Canmore Street venue.
"We never looked back, when we have been allowed to be open, we have been fine.
"The live industry is 20 per cent down on ticket sales – but that doesn't stop you doing a show, you would expect numbers to increase over summer too."
During the pandemic, the busy nightclub and live music spot transformed its car park into a beer garden, though Calum says that won't be happening this year as the team turn their focus on providing the best live shows they can.
"We won't be doing a beer garden this summer," he continued. "It helped out the venue during COVID but it is not really part of the business model, the logistics just don't work for us.
"It meant we would not be able to do a gig and have the garden open – we would have to do one or the other and live music is our priority.
"Bands are slowly getting back touring – the cycles are all off kilter and we are finding our feet again but really the support has been amazing from punters – we are getting used to the new normal and have lots coming up."
In the coming weeks, PJs is looking forward to hosting Dunfermline band Toastie in their headline debut tomorrow (Friday), The Voice UK winner Stevie McCrorie on Saturday, and a showcase event from Classy Lassy Records on June 11 which will bring together some of Scotland's most exciting new bands.
Indie rock band Brownbear will also be kicking-off the venue's involvement in the Scotland on Tour initiative, which has been set up to support the recovery of the live music industry across the country.
They will play on June 16 in the first of four concerts backed by the scheme which will also see Kirsten Adamson, Foreignfox and Heron Valley performing later in the year.
"We are thrilled to be hosting a brilliant and diverse range of events at PJ Molloy's, Dunfermline, with special thanks to Scotland On Tour," added promoter Jonny Watt.
"As our industry recovers from the pandemic, this vital support helps artists to get back out on tour, reach places further afield and spread the amazing offering of Scottish music and culture to wider audiences.
"We encourage everyone to visit their local venue and enjoy all of the shows on offer, safe in the knowledge that you are contributing to the continued existence of treasured local independent music venues and supporting these great artists right here in Scotland."
The project, created and managed by Active Events, was given £750,000 by the Scottish Government to focus on showcasing live music in Scotland's cities, towns, villages, and rural communities.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here