The Lemon Tree is a popular city arts venue

Staff who were told they were set to lose their jobs have been trying to raise �150,000.

However, BBC Scotland understands a meeting organised for Friday could formally put the venue into liquidation.

Bookings were cancelled and customers are waiting to hear about refunds.

The theatre closed it doors earlier this week, putting more than 50 people out of work.

Many acts which have performed at The Lemon Tree have contacted BBC Scotland in support of the popular venue.

The centre's board had rejected an offer of financial aid from Aberdeen City Council, opting instead to close.

The board said The Lemon Tree was unable to continue trading when it did not have enough funds to meet its liabilities.

Anne Begg, the Labour MP for Aberdeen South, also expressed dismay at the closure.