Historic Aberdeen bar and music and event venue The Blue Lamp has announced it is to come its doors permanently.
The Blue Lamp, affectionately known as The Lampy, has been cherished home of jazz, blues and folk music for generations in the city since it was founded more than 70 years ago in 1949.
But in a heartfelt announcement on social media, the bar revealed rising costs have reached the point where it is no longer sustainable to remain open.
The final night of The Blue Lamp, on the Gallowgate, will be on 30 December.
Announcing the closure on social media, the venue stated: "It’s with a heavy heart that we will be announcing the closure of The Blue Lamp. After seven decades of being a warm, welcoming home for music, laughter, conversation and community, our last night of opening will be Tuesday 30th December.
Image: The Blue Lamp / Facebook
"Since its founding in 1949, The Blue Lamp has stood as an Aberdeen institution — a place where generations gathered, where friendships were forged, and where the sounds of jazz, blues, folk and countless unforgettable gigs filled the air.
"Over the years, it has become far more than 'just a pub'; it has been a vital part of the city’s cultural soul.
"Sadly, the rising costs of running a business have reached a point where it is simply no longer viable for us to continue operating. We have tried everything we can to keep The Blue Lamp’s doors open, but the financial pressures — from energy to upkeep to general overheads — have grown beyond what we can sustain. Making this decision has been incredibly difficult, and it comes only after exhausting every other path available to us.
"To each and every one of you who held a pint at the bar, tapped your foot along to a jazz quartet, discovered a new favourite band, or simply found comfort in familiar surroundings — thank you. You filled this place with life, warmth and authenticity. The Blue Lamp has been a community because of you.
"We know this closure will leave a hole in the hearts of many. It’s not just a venue that’s going; it’s a chapter in Aberdeen’s musical and social story. But we hope the memories made here — the laughter, the late-night conversations, the applause after a brilliant set — will live on.
"Our final night, Tuesday 30th December, will be a chance to say goodbye properly: to raise a glass, share stories, and celebrate everything The Blue Lamp has meant to us for so many years.
"From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of this incredible journey."
Hundreds of people reacted to the news last night on social media with sadness and fond memories, from regulars past and present to performers who have played The Lampy.
One such performer, Scottish folk singer and rector of the University of Aberdeen Iona Fyfe, said: "So unbelievably sad to hear the news about The Blue Lamp closing after 70 years.
"This is quite literally where I cut my teeth. I’d pester my parents to take me to the folk club on a Wednesday evening. I presented Old Blind Dogs their 20 year anniversary plaque from Hands up For Trad here.
"I most recently played here with Michael Biggins . I don’t know a single musician who hasn’t played the Lampy. A total institution."