Popular Scots music festival AXED & shuts down for good

A POPULAR Scottish music festival has been axed for good as organisers said “sorry, we really tried.”

We told last year how MugStock was postponed for a year in an 11th-hour attempt to drive up ticket sales to help save the beloved event.

MugStock was due to take place from Friday, August 2 until Monday, August 5 at Strathallan Castle near Auchterarder in Perthshire.

Headliners at the event included Idlewild, Beardyman, Utah Saints and Craig Charles.

But tonight, organisers of the volunteer-led event issued a heart-breaking statement stating this “will be the end for MugStock as a festival.”

They revealed that despite driving 315 per cent more ticket sales than this time last year, due to the “rising cost of everything” future projects would leave them with a “massive loss”.

Planners added they made the “agonising” decision to either gamble or “play it safe” and that by axing the festival they can focus on the evolution of the MugStock charity.

They explained: “This will be the end for MugStock as a festival, but we are more than just an event.

“The charity has evolved, now operating 2 large premises for creative and community benefit.

As we write this works are just about to commence to finally install hot water and a kitchen in The MugShack, our 500 capacity venue in Cumbernauld.

“We are committed to bringing this space fully to life, benefiting and entertaining thousands.

“Insane as it may sound, as we write this there’s a team there still working on decor.

“They’re half way through creating the most stunning dragon sculpture for the main stage.

“Its scales are made from abandoned tents and it will breathe smoke.

“A permanent home and pride of place in the MugShack is guaranteed, and we’ll also find a chance to take it al fresco before the summer is out.

“The MugShack is also home to Cumbernauld Alternative Network CIC who run free creative workshops in upcycling, and TRASH Music Projects, a charity running free rock band and junk percussion music workshops to young people.”

All ticket holders will receive a full refund, but devastated punters flocked to social media to react to the cancellation of the event.

One person wrote: “I’m so sorry. I see how hard you tried to make it work, and hats off to you for the honesty and transparency.”

Another said: “I am feeling the devastated feeling guys. You have all worked so hard, I’ve seen it. I am so sorry.

“Let’s do the same as you did last year, and make the mugshack party. This time I’ll actually be there. Combine forces and use what we got.”

A third commented: “It’s so difficult to establish these guys have worked so very hard .. we love you x your charity comes first tbh and does amazing things … your community is a stronger place with you in it and the mudshack.”

A fourth added: “Gutting for all involved, real shame for the region to lose another festival, wish all the best for the future.”