A LEGENDARY music venue that previously faced "imminent closure" due to the coronavirus pandemic has reopened its doors today. 

Although operating as a cafe, bosses at McChuills have said they are grateful to generous Glaswegians for rallying around the institution in a time of need. 

We exclusively told how the High Street venue had been rejected from lifeline cash - which led bosses to exhaust all avenues of funding. 

Glasgow Times:

After setting up an online fundraiser, donations exceeded £30,000 from fans of the establishment across the globe. 

Nick Stewart, who is a co-owner of the venue, said: “I think the first thing that struck us was the reaction from people all over the world who have been to our venue over the years and how much the place means to everyone.

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"We are very excited to get up and running again. We can’t quite believe we are reopening, we’re very grateful to the customers that gave us a lifeline to be able to do this.

“I think that Covid has given us more options now that people can come in to get lunch or a coffee. It has helped us in that way, especially during the week– we were either going to have to readapt or sink."

Glasgow Times:

Under coronavirus restrictions, music venues are not expected to be able to reopen under full capacity until mid-June - which is when Scotland is expected to be placed on Level 0 of the lockdown system. 

Nick added: “We’ve been preparing for a post-lockdown Glasgow and we have a lot of gigs lined up but we just need to wait for guidance.

“Financially, it is quite difficult though because we are a small venue. It will be hard to get back up and running the way we did before due to social distancing. Up until that guidance is released, we will be operating as a café."

READ MORE: 'Glasgow is losing its very culture': McChuills' warning as venue faces 'imminent closure'

Nick added: “The city has an amazing club scene and that is what we sell to the world. I am very positive that it will come back and that the bar industry will bounce back again – it isn’t over yet.

“We can see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Glasgow Times:

Major restrictions have eased today as Scotland has moved into Level 3 of the coronavirus lockdown.

It means that shops, cafes and restaurants can reopen for the first time this year under the new rules.

Gyms and indoor sports facilities - including swimming pools and leisure centres - will also be able to reopen for individual exercise.

Scotland is expected to move to Level 2 of the Covid restrictions system on May 17.