By Alan Wilson, Rocktalk writer

DUNDEE’S MUSIC scene was dealt a devastating blow yesterday when The Doghouse, spiritual home of chart-topping band The View, closed its doors.

Insolvency administrators—on behalf of the Accountant In Bankruptcy, a government agency— arrived at the building at lunchtime and issued staff with letters stating owner Sarah Hill had been sequestrated and they were no longer employed there.

Customers were told to leave the building while the administrators from Begbies Traynor assumed control of the former schoolhouse, changing the locks and ensuring that bands’ instruments and PA equipment were returned to their owners.

Dundee band Luva Anna, who played a return gig there on Saturday, were among those who arrived to rescue instruments before the building was locked. Also collecting equipment was PA firm Audiowave.

The officers were called in after Dundee City Council sued Ms Hill last month.

A council spokesman said, “Dundee City Council was granted a sequestration order against the publican at the Doghouse at Dundee Sheriff Court on February 17.

“More than £10,000 of unpaid non-domestic rates are currently owed to the council.”

A distraught Ms Hill broke down in tears as she told The Courier she had no idea the action was planned.

She said she believed the outstanding amount was around £7000 and she had brought it down from around £12,000.

“I can’t believe this has happened—I knew nothing about it. They’re saying the sequestration went through the court on February 17, but nobody told me.

“All this is over £7000 for unpaid business rates, but I’ve been paying them up at £2000 a time.

“I can’t believe they would do this over such a small amount.”

Ms Hill said she had spoken to her solicitor and would meet him today.

Most of this week’s gigs at The Doghouse have been cancelled, although Saturday’s big show featuring chart band Goldie Lookin’ Chain is likely to go ahead at Fat Sam’s, with tickets bought in advance valid for that.

Confirmation is expected today or tomorrow.

The closure comes just a few days after the Brown Street venue was broken into by thieves, who made off with a small sum of cash and bottles of spirits in the early hours of Sunday morning.