Many of the issues raised at the hustings closely reflected the priorities set out in the MU’s Musicians’ Manifesto. Photo: Shutterstock.
As Scotland approaches the 2026 Parliamentary Election, the Musicians’ Union has been clear about what musicians need: Fair Work, properly funded music education, sustainable freelance careers, and a cultural sector where musicians — regardless of background or postcode — can build viable livelihoods.
On 26 February, a cross-sector election hustings organised by Culture Counts, alongside the Federation of Scottish Theatre, Scottish Contemporary Art Network, Festivals Edinburgh, Equal Media & Culture Centre and the Campaign for the Arts, brought together representatives from Scotland’s major political parties to discuss the future of culture ahead of May’s vote.
Many of the issues raised closely reflected the priorities set out in the MU’s Musicians’ Manifesto.
Below, you’ll find the full recording of the hustings, as well as our breakdown of where parties aligned — and where significant gaps remain — highlighting how your voice is helping to influence the national political conversation.
Fair Work and ending precarity
Fair Work was one of the dominant themes of the Edinburgh-based hustings, with broad cross-party recognition of the need to tackle insecurity in the cultural workforce.
SNP Cabinet Secretary for Culture Angus Robertson highlighted the government’s Fair Work Taskforce and acknowledged the “precarious existence” of freelancers, reinforcing the need to embed Fair Work standards in publicly funded organisations.
Scottish Labour’s Neil Bibby agreed that Fair Work must be central to cultural policy but stressed it cannot become a tick-box exercise, calling for stronger enforcement and conditionality. He also suggested trade union representation on Creative Scotland’s board, recognising the importance of worker voice in governance.
Scottish Greens representative Q Manivannan also argued that public funding should be tied directly to fair pay and conditions, stating that there is “no funding without Fair Work.”
Together, these contributions show that the central message of the Fair Work campaign, pushing for secure, respectful, and paid work for musicians and other cultural workers is now firmly on the political agenda.
Sustainable careers and supporting freelancers
All representatives acknowledged the systemic insecurity facing freelance musicians.
The SNP drew a direct link between international mobility and sustainable careers, with Angus Robertson describing Brexit as “a calamity” for touring artists. There was support for re-engaging with Creative Europe and proposals to strengthen cultural export support — aligning with MU calls for improved international touring pathways.
The Scottish Greens advocated for an Artist Basic Income, citing evidence from Ireland. The Culture Fair Work Taskforce has also recommended further work on a Universal Basic Income for artists — a recommendation reflected in the MU Manifesto, which calls for full implementation of the Taskforce’s findings.
Labour emphasised the importance of multi-year funding settlements to provide organisations with the stability needed to offer more secure employment structures, a key MU concern.
Across parties, there was clear agreement that the current funding model leaves too many musicians without predictable income, adequate protections, or opportunities to grow their careers.
Music Education and Instrumental Tuition
The value of music education, which is a core MU priority, was strongly defended across the panel.
Labour argued that “every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument” and highlighted the need to close gaps between state and private provision. The Liberal Democrats warned that pressure on devolved school budgets is narrowing curriculum choice, with arts subjects often first to be reduced.
The Scottish Greens stressed that arts education remains vulnerable and must be protected from further cuts, while the SNP pointed to creative learning initiatives, including its screen studies pilot.
There was broad agreement that the erosion of music education is harmful, but reversible with political will. This echoes the MU’s call for properly funded instrumental tuition, increased Instrumental Music Teacher numbers, and ring-fenced support for music services.
Access, inclusion and inequality reduction
Another area where MU priorities were clearly reflected was the recognition of persistent inequalities in the cultural sector, whether linked to class, race, disability, or geography.
The Scottish Greens argued that culture should be recognised as a right and highlighted barriers faced by marginalised artists. Their reminder that “half of minority ethnic workers say ethnicity blocks their progression” reinforced the need for systemic change.
The Liberal Democrats pointed to significant regional disparities in Creative Scotland spending, reflecting concerns about postcode inequalities in cultural access.
The SNP also committed to using Creative Scotland data to identify “hot‑spot” areas with insufficient cultural provision, which aligns with MU’s call for equitable distribution of cultural investment.
Local infrastructure, venues and funding stability
Several representatives linked the health of Scotland’s music ecosystem to wider local authority funding pressures.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats stressed that cuts to council budgets have weakened community venues and youth arts provision. The Greens referenced the fallout from high-profile venue closures and their impact on artists’ livelihoods.
The Conservatives focused on business rates, arguing that steep revaluations are placing live music venues under severe financial strain.
While parties approached the issue differently, their concerns are consistent with the MU’s warnings about venue vulnerabilities. Across the board there was recognition that rebuilding local cultural infrastructure must be part of any long-term strategy.
A notable absence — music streaming reform
One significant issue not raised by a party during the hustings was music streaming.
While much of streaming regulation is reserved to Westminster, there are aspects — including elements of Scottish contract law — that could help mitigate some of the issues our members face.
This gap highlights an important area where MU members’ voices will be essential in shaping the political debate in the weeks ahead.
MU priorities are influencing the national conversation
Across Fair Work, education, freelancer support and infrastructure, party representatives echoed concerns long raised by MU members.
The debate demonstrated that musicians’ livelihoods are now firmly part of Scotland’s political conversation. As the election approaches on 7 May 2026, continued advocacy will be vital to ensure these commitments translate into concrete action.
Caroline Sewell, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Organiser said: “It was hugely encouraging to hear so many of Scotland’s political representatives speak directly to the issues musicians have been raising for years.
“From Fair Work and decent pay, to protecting music education and ensuring freelancers can build sustainable careers, the priorities that matter to our members were clearly front and centre throughout the hustings.
“Musicians contribute enormously to Scotland’s economy and cultural life, and it’s vital that our needs are understood and acted upon. The level of engagement we heard this week is positive and indicates that most parties have some recognition of just how essential musicians are to Scotland’s future, and how precarious their existence is. We look forward to working with all political parties, particularly over the coming weeks, to turn those commitments into real change.”
Please continue to support the Musicians’ Union in this crucial period ahead of the parliamentary elections on 7 May.
Stand with us in holding political parties and their candidates to account, and to commit to concrete measures supporting musicians and music educators across Scotland:
Together, we can ensure that the voices of musicians are heard loud and clear in the run-up to the 2026 elections.