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.

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

Continue reading

Closeup of a hand playing guitar. In the background are students sitting in a circle and holding guitars.

MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government

The Government has announced an additional £15 million for its Music Growth Package, taking total investment to £45 million over three years. The MU welcomes the funding while calling for progress on EU touring, music streaming and protections for creators from AI.

Published: 14 July 2026

Silhouetted crowd at an outdoor gig at night, the stage is lit with blue light and confetti falls.

Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music

A record 24.7 million music tourists attended UK concerts and festivals in 2025, spending £11.2 billion and supporting 74,000 jobs, according to new figures from UK Music. However despite the record year, challenges remain for grassroots music and touring.

Published: 13 July 2026

Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

MU members joined staff and fellow trade unionists at Pride in London on Saturday 4 July, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, solidarity and the importance of standing together in support of equality and inclusion.

Published: 09 July 2026

A young woman sitting at a laptop, smiling and waving to someone on her screen.

Good Energy Amplifies: New Mentorship Scheme for Disabled Intersectional Artists

Musicians that identify as disabled, intersectional artists are invited to apply for Good Energy Amplifies, a new mentorship programme designed to amplify underrepresented voices.

Published: 09 July 2026

Close up of the BBC headquarters in London, a round circular glass building.

Sign the Petition to Protect the BBC’s Future

A collective of arts, entertainment and broadcast unions, including the Musicians’ Union, have launched a joint petition to protect the future of the BBC.

Published: 03 July 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Popular searches