The proposed cuts would stop Dumfries and Galloway Council meeting its statutory obligations to provide music education. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced that it is considering the removal of its instrumental music service due to a budget shortfall.
It is the latest local authority in Scotland to propose drastic changes or cuts to music services – although most similar proposals have been halted or minimised following widespread outcry.
The Scottish Government funds free instrumental tuition for all children. It is not clear how Dumfries and Galloway Council will deliver this in its area if it decides to close its music service.
Access to music education must not be regarded as a luxury
Chris Walters, MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Dumfries and Galloway Council will soon discover that closing its music service will cause more problems than it will solve. Not only would closure stop it meeting its statutory obligations to provide music education, but it would also directly affect the local community and alienate voters.
Caroline Sewell, MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said:
“The proposal to axe Dumfries and Galloway’s instrumental music service delivers the latest blow to cultural life and educational equity in Scotland. Access to music education must not be regarded as a luxury, but a necessary component for educational attainment, a lifeline for creativity, confidence, and community.
“Cutting this service abandons young people, undermines skilled educators, and impoverishes Scotland’s future. We urge the council to reconsider and protect access to music for all, and we urge our members to respond to the consultation.”
Make your voice heard
The MU is asking members, especially those local to Dumfries and Galloway, to complete the online consultation.
Your responses will help councillors make informed decisions about spending priorities when they set the budget in February 2026.
The consultation takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and closes on Sunday 23 November.
Other ways to get involved
The council is also holding local drop-in sessions for community members to share their views in person.
The sessions are being held throughout November in each of the 12 council wards:
- 4 November, 3pm–7pm: Ryan Centre, Stranraer
- 4 November, 3pm–5pm: Loreburn Shopping Centre, Dumfries (in front of Summerhill Community Futures Shop)
- 4 November, 5pm–7pm: DG1 Leisure Complex, Dumfries
- 6 November, 3pm–7pm: YMCA Centre, Lochside Road, Dumfries
- 7 November, 3pm–7pm: Moffat Town Hall, Moffat
- 10 November, 3pm–7pm: Customer Service Centre, Newton Stewart
- 11 November, 3pm–7pm: Sanquhar FUN Pool, Sanquhar
- 11 November, 3pm–7pm: CD Community Centre, Castle Douglas
- 12 November, 3pm–7pm: Dalbeattie Town Hall, Dalbeattie
- 12 November, 3pm–7pm: Annan Swimming Pool, Annan
- 13 November, 3pm–7pm: Lochthorn Customer Service Centre, Heathhall
- 18 November, 3pm–7pm: The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm
- 19 November, 3pm–7pm: Customer Service Centre, Kirkcudbright
If you have any questions about the consultation or meetings, please email yourbudget@dumgal.gov.uk.