skip to main content
Search

Scottish Government Announces Second Phase of Funding

There has been a funding update from the Scottish Government, who have announced a second phase of funding to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

Published: 16 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Old town Edinburgh and Edinburgh castle in Scotland UK
The package includes support for the self-employed as well as viable micro and SME businesses. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Scottish Government have announced that around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses – including the recently self-employed.

The package includes a further £100m fund to protect self-employed people, as well as viable micro and SME businesses struggling because of Covid-19.

The fund will be channelled through local authorities and enterprise agencies to target the newly self-employed and businesses who are not eligible for other Scottish or UK Government funding schemes.  Applications will be open by the end of the month.

There will also be a £120m extension to Small Business Grant scheme in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, and a subsequent 75% grant on all subsequent properties.  Applications will be open by 5 May.

The Scottish Government have asked businesses who do not need this vital help to refrain from claiming additional support unless absolutely necessary so it can be directed to those who need it most.

Find out more on the Scottish Government’s website.

See all news

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

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players
All news and features