The Priory memories as Aberdeen nightclub is poised for return

Plans to reopen Aberdeen’s Priory nightclub have unlocked scores of happy – if slightly hazy – memories of youthful nights out.

The Press and Journal revealed how club boss Grant Leslie is adding the finishing touches to the Belmont Street institution ahead of its comeback.

Famed for its flaming Purple Rain cocktails, the venue started life as the Congregational Church – with its twin spires influenced by the Lund Cathedral in Stockholm.

The Priory on Belmont Street. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

It was turned into a nightclub at the turn of the millennium, after a bitter planning battle with the council, and became the scene of some exciting noughties nights out.

The news of Priory’s return has brought back a rush of warm memories among Aberdeen punters of a certain age, and we have delved into our archives to find some photos from its glory days…

Pictures to bring back memories of Priory in Aberdeen

Firstly, we take a look back at a big European tie some Dons supporters may not really want to remember…

Just a few years after opening, The Priory established itself as a top spot to watch big football games. In October 2002, Dons fans packed the premises to watch a big Uefa Cup tie against Hertha Berlin. Image: Rory Raitt/DC Thomson

Fans Leanne Hall (left) and Natalie Chesser took in the action. Image: Colin Rennie/DC Thomson

Were you in the nightclub for the big game? Image: Rory Raitt/DC Thomson

But the night ended in heartbreak as the Dons lost to the German side and crashed out of the competition. Image: Colin Rennie/DC Thomson

This supporter could not hide his despair as he crouched on Belmont Street holding his head in his hands. Image: Colin Rennie/DC Thomson

Mike Wilson, owner of The Priory was given an Aberdeen Civic Society Scroll for the quality of his conversion of the former church in 2002. Image: Amanda Gordon/DC Thomson

Fans turned out to cheer on Scotland at The Priory – before a 6-0 drubbing from Holland put paid to yet more tournament aspirations in 2003. Image: DC Thomson

An aerial view showing the pub packed for the occasion. Image: DC Thomson

Priory was packed for Hogmanay bash in 2003

As the clock ticked down on the year 2003, our photographer visited The Priory to capture the celebrations.

Were you there 21 years ago, dancing the night away?

People having fun on Hogmanay at the Priory on December 31, 2003. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

Revellers enjoying themselves as 2004 neared. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

Happy new year! Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

People having fun on Hogmanay. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

The New Year party was a cheery occasion. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

Do these images bring back memories for Aberdeen revellers? Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

There was barely room to move! Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

These friends were making a night of it. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson

While starring in Rebecca at nearby HMT, Nigel Havers and Maureen Beattie attended a ceilidh at the Priory with piper Jim Stevenson to raise money for UCAN in 2005. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Were you at The Priory for heartbreaking Scotland loss?

More scenes of sporting dismay were to follow in 2007, as dejected Scotland fans watched the national side stumble in an agonising 2-0 defeat away to Georgia.

The loss dashed Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 – and it would be more than a decade until the team made it to a major tournament.

Our photographer caught some emotional scenes in Priory that night…