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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music