Leith firm brings pop stars to city pub to film video

Published on 02/08/2012 12:02

An old-fashioned pub nestling just off Leith Walk has taken centre stage in a new music video.

The Strathie, in Iona Street, has been used as the centre-piece of the latest video by London-based pop group The Magic Numbers.

The idea to use the bar was suggested by local company Cagoule, made up of Lewis Gourlay and Abby Warrilow. They are based at the nearby Out of The Blue, Leith, and wanted to use the character of their neighbourhood as well as The Strathie and Leith residents in the music video.

A spokesman said: “The Strathie is unaccustomed to the world of music video. The residents, however, warmly embraced the film crew and The Magic Numbers, even agreeing to play cameo roles.”

The shoot was a big change for both the band and the company, with their previous video having taken them to the frozen desolation of a Scottish moor.

By contrast the Leith locals gave them a warm reception, which in turn saw the band play an impromptu gig in the pub at the end of the shoot.

The track has been recorded as part of a tribute album to celebrate the 70th birthday of Brazil’s greatest composer, Caetano Veloso. The Magic Numbers track, You Don’t Know Me, is the only one on the album to have a video – which could see The Strathie become well-known in Brazil.

Since being posted online earlier this week the video has been watched more than 13,000 times and already has several comments from Brazilian viewers.

Heather Baxter, barmaid at The Strathie, said: “It was fantastic to have the film crew and the band in the pub, it’s definitely not something we see round here every day,” she said.

“Everyone got involved and had a great time.”