skip to main content

Join the Vigil and Support the Justice for Sheku Bayoh Campaign

On Monday 28 August a vigil will take place in Edinburgh ahead of the public inquiry looking into the death of Sheku Bayoh in 2015. Members are encouraged to attend if they are able to.

Published: 24 August 2023 | 3:55 PM
A candle in soft focus, representing a vigil.
A vigil will be held outside Capital House, Festival Square, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9SU from 8:30am on Monday 28 August. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Sheku Bayoh died after being restrained by up to seven police officers in 2015 in Kirkcaldy. A public inquiry is now underway to look at the circumstances leading up to Sheku's death, as well as the post-incident management and the investigation into his death, and whether race played a part in what happened.

A vigil will be held outside Capital House, Festival Square, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9SU from 8:30am on Monday 28 August, before the official hearing resumes at 10:00am.

If you plan to attend the hearing after the vigil, please remember to contact the inquiry to do so. Your attendance at both would be much appreciated by the family.

View the latest updates and find out more ways to support the Justice for Sheku Campaign.

 

Continue reading

Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Martin Bowen
Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

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
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

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
A pink sign being held up that says

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