CATHOUSE IN THE DOGHOUSE? - AN OVERVIEW OF THE UNIONISATIONS IN GLASGOWS ALT SCENE

Possibly one of Scotlands most notorious venues, Glasgows Cathouse is renowned across the country in a wide variety of alternative music scenes. Boasting an impressive catalogue of past and present gig performances, the three-storied tower-of-power claims there is “most definitely a night for everyone!”. However, behind the glitz and glamour is a troubled and simmering undercoat, and one of the most reliably alternative nights out in the country might taste more sour than one expects. 

The club opened its doors in 1990 in the cities Hollywood Studios building, moving to Union Street in 1997 after its original home was demolished. Since then, Cathouse has been open every Wednesday-Sunday for both gigs and general boogieing.  

However, the tables began to turn for the company in early 2025, when two-thirds of the entire staff unionized against the owners. It was revealed in several shocking articles and Instagram posts that the working conditions within the venue were bafflingly poor, referring to the building as downright “infested” and exposing management for pushing capacity beyond legal limitations. This poses a serious threat to both employees and patrons, demonstrating the prioritisation of profit over saftey.

Now, I’m not saying that its not possible to have a good night out in the Cathouse. Many a jig has been busted out in its four walls by the NWT in the past (even when restricted to the Jagerbar by companions of differing musical taste), but the club's issues have become almost impossible to ignore.  

Picture from @unitehospitality on Instagram

Unite Hospitality, the union representing the majority of the Cathouse’s staff, revealed that management were “unwilling to meet” with them in August of this year, which twisted their arms into submitting a number of “individual grievances”. This demonstrates a fundamental divide between management and staff, which seems to be a violent disconnect from the public image of club owner Donald Macleod, who received and MBE for his contributions to charity and music in 2020. How such actions can take place when those who keep the empire float are met with unforgiving zero-hour contracts with unanticipated shift cuts and bare minimum wage is slightly beyond comprehension.

So, what other options are out there for alternative music fans in the Glasgow area? If it’s gigs you’re looking for, there is no shortage of independently run venues, and although they may not host acts with as much popularity as the likes of the Cathouse or Garage, it may encourage you to investigate new and up-and-coming ones. Until reporations are made in the running of these big venues, maybe its time to consider becoming a regular somewhere local.