Scottish Government Announces Support for Scottish Businesses Scottish Government has announced a further package of support which will be available for Scottish businesses. Published: 19 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM Scottish Government has announced a package of support which will be available for Scottish businesses. (Source: Shutterstock) The package of support will include: a 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of less than £69,000 from 1 April 2020 an £80 million fund to provide grants of at least £3,000 to small businesses in sectors facing the worst economic impact of COVID-19 1.6% rates relief for all properties across Scotland, effectively reversing the planned below inflation uplift in the poundage from 1 April 2020 a fixed rates relief of up to £5,000 for all pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000 from 1 April 2020 Scottish Government Helpline for Businesses in Scotland A helpline which will answer questions from business related to COVID-19, providing businesses across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19 has been announced by Scottish Government. The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660 and is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Other Helpful Links for Scottish musicians Find Business Support - How to prepare and manage your business for the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resource Scottish Government website NHS Inform for Scotland See all news
Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time. Published: 01 August 2026 Read more about Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh
MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year. Published: 31 July 2026 Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area. Published: 30 July 2026 Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms. Published: 28 July 2026 Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now. Published: 24 July 2026 Read more about Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now