skip to main content

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
Glasgow city street.
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 

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers