Calvin Harris' Pub Helps His Hometown Dumfries' Music Scene

Giancarlo Rinaldi

BBC Scotland News

Getty Images DJ Calvin Harris in a cream shirt and T-shirt with long hair and a beard — Calvin Harris – whose real name is Adam Wiles – grew up in Dumfries

As musical role models go, chart-topping DJ Calvin Harris sets a pretty high bar with countless hits to his credit.

In his hometown of Dumfries, however, he is involved in a smaller venture as an owner of a little pub which is helping the local music scene to thrive.

He is part of a group called To The Nines which bought the Coach and Horses on the Whitesands a couple of years ago.

It has been praised by bands, music organisations and people working to revive the town centre for the boost it is giving to the south of Scotland town where the global superstar grew up.

The Coach and Horses on the Whitesands in Dumfries has bands playing most weekends

The cream coloured facade of the Coach and Horses pub in Dumfries with a purple sign carrying its name on a rare sunny day — The Coach and Horses on the Whitesands in Dumfries has bands playing most weekends

Hagen Patterson, director of the Dumfries Music Collective (DMC) which aims to provide musical opportunities to young people in the region, said they had always recognised the Coach and Horses as an “iconic grassroots music venue”.

“We have witnessed some great artistry to come out of the pub over many years,” he said.

He said it could offer a “leg up” to local artists and it was great that such a worldwide star had helped allow it to do so.

“Performing live for the first time, even if just for a handful of listeners, provides invaluable experience,” he said.

“It’s a chance to try out brand new material, gauge reactions, and build a local fan base.

“We are delighted that Calvin and Mark have ensured the longevity of the Coach and Horses, this helps foster our scene.”

Kissing the Flint performed at the Coach and Horses earlier this month

Kissing the Flint A band performs in a small pub with a woman in a dark dress and hat standing in front of a microphone between two guitarists — Kissing the Flint performed at the Coach and Horses earlier this month

Kissing The Flint recently played at the pub having started gigging in Dumfries a few years ago having moved from Australia.

The band’s Leah Chynoweth-Tidy said the site had quickly won their hearts.

“All the staff are so supportive and welcoming, really love their live music and are super proud of their historic, vibrant wee venue, which well they should be,” she said.

“It’s always a fantastic experience playing there as the audience are open to any kind of genre and are incredibly responsive and enthusiastic about our original music, which is becoming a rarer thing these days in many venues.

“The Coach feels like coming home for us every time we play there, and all who sail in her have become part of our music family.”

Andy McMillan said the pub owned by Calvin Harris was an “awesome grass roots venue”

Sandy Robertson A singer with blond hair stands close to an old fashioned microphone — Andy McMillan said the pub owned by Calvin Harris was an “awesome grass roots venue”

Andy McMillan, frontman with Dumfries three-piece the Dogz, has similar praise.

“The Coach is an awesome grassroots venue,” he said.

“All the staff are passionate about live music and supporting local bands, whether established acts or those just cutting their teeth in front of an audience.

“It’s always a top gig for us and although it’s a small venue its contribution to the local music scene is huge.”

Harris plays huge venues now but started out with much smaller gigs

Getty Images DJ Calvin Harris in a white T-Shirt at a turntable in front of a colourful and slightly psychedelic background — Harris plays huge venues now but started out with much smaller gigs

Just along the road from the pub, Rab Smith runs the record shop Domino Entertainment and is a former chairman of the town’s retailers’ association.

He said he believed the area could be at the heart of boosting nightlife in Dumfries.

“The whole Whitesands could be a great entertainment centre,” he said.

“The old tourist board building could be spectacular.”

He also said it was good to see a local boy made good like Harris putting something back into the community.

“It is a great wee pub – it is too small to be a King Tut’s – but it is great that somebody is putting money into it and keeping it alive,” he added.

Richie Nicoll chairs Dumfries Town Board looking at ways of regenerating the town centre

Richie Nicoll A man with black and grey hair and an grey and black beard with a red white and blue checked shirt — Richie Nicoll chairs Dumfries Town Board looking at ways of regenerating the town centre

Richie Nicoll chairs the Dumfries Town Board which aims to boost regeneration of the town centre.

He said the pub was a “true gem” for the town.

“It’s always buzzing when live bands perform, and on sunny days, the crowds spilling onto the pavements add to the lively atmosphere,” he said.

“The fact that the pub is independently owned – and as I’ve heard with a rather well-known DJ involved – rather than tied to a brewery, gives it fantastic flexibility and a unique charm for its visitors.

“It’s definitely one of my go-to spots when I’m out in town for a pint.”

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