skip to main content

Scottish Rugby Will Pay Musicians Following Constructive Conversation

The MU is delighted that Scottish Rugby will now be paying musicians for its Scotland’s Playlist initiative following constructive conversations with the union.

Published: 01 October 2021 | 5:36 PM
Photograph of a white rugby ball on a grassy pitch, blurred figures in yellow stand in the distance.
"The Work Not Play campaign isn’t just about calling things out, it’s also about working with those who engage musicians to educate them." Photo credit: Shutterstock

Thank you to all our members who raised this issue across social media and with the MU Scotland & Northern Ireland team.

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Barry Dallman said:

“I’m very pleased that following a productive discussion, Scottish Rugby has confirmed it will be offering payment to all bands performing on the ‘Scotland’s Playlist’ initiative during the Autumn Nations Series.

“The Work Not Play campaign isn’t just about calling things out, it’s also about working with those who engage musicians to educate them, challenge assumptions and highlight the fact that music is a profession, not just a hobby. I’m grateful to Scottish Rugby for the positive manner in which it engaged with us on this issue.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said:

“We have had an amazing response to this initiative and we are happy to take guidance from the Musicians Union to ensure that the acts participating are appropriately supported and their professional work is paid for accordingly.”

This is not a hobby – it’s our profession

The MU regularly hears from musicians asked to work for free. Asking musicians to work for free is unacceptable at any time.

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – including musicians.

Have you been asked to work for free?

  • Fill in the Work Not Play form to help us build a picture of what’s happening and come up with targeted solutions
  • Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #WorkNotPlayMU

The MU also provides advice on hiring musicians for events, and for pubs and small venues.

Find out more about the MU’s work for fair pay in our Work Not Play campaign hub.

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

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025
Exterior of the venue - a white tiled building with writing on the windows and an orange neon sign saying Belgrave Music Hall.

MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

On 9 September the North of England team will be attending FFWDxLEEDS—a new conference aimed at bridging the gap between local artists and the wider music industry. MU Members can also access a 10% discount on tickets with our exclusive code.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Read more about Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability