'We feel betrayed' - the bitter rent row in Glasgow's art scene

Several not-for-profit arts groups say they fear being locked out of their premises in Glasgow unless they agree to a large rent hike. Seven organisations that use the Trongate 103 building were informed last month their rent was set to increase by four times the current amount. Unless they agree to the new terms by noon on Friday, they could be locked out of the building by Monday. City Property - the arms-length Glasgow City Council body that manages the property - says the new terms are considerably cheaper than a commercial business would be given. However, artists told BBC Scotland News that the groups - which include charities that help disabled people use art - would be severely affected by the increase. Already one of the groups based at Trongate - the Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC) - has chosen to leave, with new premises secured at the Pyramid community centre in Anderston. Leaving is a lot harder for other groups, such as Glasgow Print Studio. It has specialised equipment in the current building, so a move elsewhere is much trickier. "We are really worried about what happens after Friday," says Ailie Rutherford, who works with the Glasgow Independent Studio - a not-f