Irvine’s new band rehearsal studio set up to support the area’s next generation of budding music talent has revealed grand plans to expand into recording as well as broadcasting virtual live entertainment.

Ellis Music Studios was launched in Townhead earlier in the year by Sidesplitters Comedy Club boss Jamie Haining and Scott Booth – who both hope to help boost musical talent across the area after a difficult year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Jamie told the Times: “We’re taking things a bit further, we’ve set up the recording studio and taking bookings as of now. We’ve brought in an extra partner who’s going to take on the recording side.

“There’s a waiting list for a Wednesday night now, that’s cool.

“What we’re also doing that’s a bit different is we’re aiming to open up as a digital venue where we can get small groups of people in to the studio but then beam it out through Facebook live or one of the other options, that’s the plan.

“It’s a valuable lesson I think, as there’s a lot of places that have been struggling with everything that’s happened and going forward we’ve got all this technology we can use, people should be embracing it and continuing to use it.”

Scott Booth previously told the Times: “We started the studio as there aren’t many really good practice rooms in Ayrshire, and there are a lot of musicians in Ayrshire that have to travel all the way to Glasgow to practice in decent rooms.

“We’ve been picking up bookings and studio two should be done in the next week or so which will allow us to have more people at prime times.

“We’re hoping the studio is going to be a big thing as we don’t have many in the area – having somewhere else in North Ayrshire to allow new bands to get out is going to be hugely beneficial.

“Bands like to have somewhere they can go quite locally – if everywhere else is booked up they have to get a train to Glasgow – which can be a mammoth event if you are taking guitars, cymbals and snare drums.

“We are looking for sponsors that would like to get involved with this event and to help inspire the next generation of budding musicians.”

For more information on Ellis Studios just visit the website ellisstudios.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ellismusicstudios/