skip to main content

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023 | 5:42 PM Updated: 13 June 2023 | 4:45 PM
Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass
Musicians should ensure that there is a signed agreement in place and full deposit obtained, prior to performing

MU member Iona Fyfe spoke today on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning show to discuss Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. She was joined by Paul McManus, Scotland Negotiations Officer at BECTU and stated her concerns, advising fellow musicians to contact the MU before agreeing to play this year’s festival.

MU advice for musicians playing or considering playing the festival

In Iona's interview, she explains how musicians should ensure that there is a signed agreement in place and full deposit obtained, prior to performing.

Sam Dunkley, MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland agrees, and reiterates the importance of the following advice:

  • Make sure that there is a signed agreement in place
  • 100% of the deposit is paid up front
  • There is a cut off date before the festival for the deposit to be paid, so you can make an informed choice about playing or not
  • Get in touch with the MU via glasgow@themu.org for more advice if you’re considering playing.

Previous news on Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Last year the MU was made aware of a large number of artists and suppliers whose payments were significantly delayed for work during the 2022 festival.

Then earlier this year, MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, met with the organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. It followed news that the festival had gone into liquidation and was managed by a different company, Festival Food Beverage and Property Services.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

Read more about Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter
A close-up of the BBC Scotland building in Glasgow.

BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

Four of Scotland's best-known radio shows are due to be dropped by the end of the year and replaced with a new 'easy listening' programme for more mainstream appeal. Sign the petition to help reverse the decision and protect the future of music in Scotland.

Published: 17 November 2025

Read more about BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows
Percussion instruments in an orchestra.

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

Take part in a study by the University of Glasgow on the physical demands of playing in a professional orchestra, and how support can be improved for both disabled and non-disabled musicians.

Published: 13 November 2025

Read more about Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants