The MU has written directly to every MSP in Scotland, setting out our Manifesto Asks and calling for their support. Photo: Shutterstock.
The MU has published a set of clear and ambitious manifesto asks ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections on Thursday 7 May.
The Musicians’ Manifesto for Scotland calls on political parties to:
- Resolutely commit to delivering Fair Work for musicians and the creative workforce
- Redouble commitments to funding free instrumental tuition in schools and supporting music teachers
- Legislate to help fix streaming and protect Scottish music.
These asks not only about protecting musicians — they are about safeguarding Scotland’s cultural assets, strengthening communities and supporting a vital part of the national economy.
Explore all our manifesto asks in our briefing for candidates.
We’re calling on all political parties in Scotland to include these asks in their manifestos, and have written to every MSP in Scotland asking for their support.
A culture sector that must be safe for all
A recent report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) — Freelance and Forgotten: A report on worker exploitation in Scotland’s Creative Industries — highlighted some staggering figures:
- 69% have experienced issues relating to payment at work
- 33% have experienced non-payment at work
- 83% have seen a real terms fall in earnings in recent years
- Only 6% describe working conditions as good. 43% describe them as bad
- 53% have experienced or seen bullying, harassment or sexual harassment.
These figures demonstrate the acute need for Fair Work principles to be fully embedded across Scotland’s music industry and wider creative sector, alongside stronger protections and sustained investment.
Take action now!
Help put pressure on political parties and their candidates to commit to concrete measures supporting musicians and music educators across Scotland.
- Share our Manifesto Asks for Scotland 2026 with people you know on WhatsApp and on Facebook — including your local political parties
- Write to your MSP using our template letter below — you can find their contact details on the Scottish Parliament website.
Together, we can ensure that the voices of musicians are heard loud and clear in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Template letter to MSPs
Dear [MSP name goes here],
I am a constituent living at [your address goes here].
There has never been a time where the work of professional musicians has been more precarious or less financially rewarding.
[Share your experiences here]
As cultural workers, we deserve secure, fairly paid work and a safe and respectful working environment.
To that end, the Musicians' Union (MU) has written to every MSP about their Musicians’ Manifesto for Scotland: theMU.org/ManifestoScotland2026. They are calling on all political parties to include these asks in their manifestos.
I urge you to engage with the asks and lobby for their inclusion in your party manifesto for the 2026 elections.