Electric Circus, the much-loved Edinburgh gig venue, nightclub and karaoke bar, has announced that it will close its doors on 25 March. The site has operated as a venue in one form or another for the past four decades, with its present iteration springing into life seven years ago. The space Electric Circus currently occupies on Market Street has been earmarked for the expanding Fruitmarket Gallery as part of an £11 million redevelopment of the gallery, with Fruitmarket slated to take over in 2019.

Announcing the news, Electric Circus said: "It is with a very heavy heart that Electric Circus has decided to close. We would first like to say the biggest thanks to all of you; to the staff who have worked with us past and present, to all the promoters and bands we have had the pleasure of hosting over the past seven years. To the incredibly loyal customers; from karaoke, club and gig-goers – without you we wouldn't be here today, you have all been a joy!

"The decision to close was not an easy one but we feel that due to the recent news regarding the eventual closure of the venue and the expansion of the Fruitmarket Gallery we feel, as a business it is best if we go out with a bang." You can find EC's full statement on Facebook.

The Electric Circus has hosted many an event for The Skinny and our Edinburgh Fringe sister mag Fest over the years, and we'll be at Electric Circus for the final instalment of our Skinny Bitches club night on 10 Mar. Come and party with us, and help give one of the city's best music venues the send-off it deserves.

Details of the Electric Circus' final night on Saturday 25 March will be announced shortly.