Creative Scotland Opens Bridging Bursary for Second Phase of Requests

Creative Scotland have announced an extra £2M of funding, open to individual artists and freelancers in Scotland who have lost income from their creative work due to COVID-19.

Published: 21 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

Photograph of two people playing fiddle at a wedding. Photo credit: Shutterstock — Awards are made on a non-competitive basis. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Musicians suffering financial hardship can seek grants of £500 to £2500 to meet immediate needs – and the funders intend to focus on those least likely to benefit from either of the Government’s financial assistance schemes.

Awards are made on a non-competitive basis, but the funding body strongly encourages people to fully consider their needs before making a request to this programme as funds are finite and they expect a high level of demand.

Those who submitted a request for Creative Scotland’s previous round are asked not to resubmit their requests, as they will be responding to these initial applications as quickly as possible.

For more details on eligibility criteria and how to apply, see Creative Scotland’s website.

Where to go for immediate financial support

For a list of hardship funds, financial advice resources, and information on the Government’s financial assistance schemes, see our Financial Support page.

See all news

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

Close up of sound engineer recording a live orchestra.

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

The MU and players in over 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter to call upon the Government to urgently address the lack of streaming royalties for musicians.

Published: 04 April 2025

Showcase Applications Open: Pitch Scotland Conference of Hip Hop and Underground Culture

Artists performing in genres such as rap, hip hop, afrobeat, r&b, drill, grime, garage and soul can apply to perform at Pitch Scotland’s music showcase in Glasgow on 27-29 August. Applications close on Friday 25 April.

Published: 04 April 2025

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.