News & Stories for Musicians

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

A young man sat at home with a laptop on his knee, typing, while looking at a piece of paper.

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Explore the MU’s new guidance for freelancers on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, covering what it is, what you need to be aware of, and practical tips to get ready.

Published: 12 November 2025

Artist Applications for Wide Days 2026 Now Open

Artists and music creators of any genre based in Scotland can now apply for the Wide Days showcase programme for 2026. There are two opportunities available to apply for: the Talent Development Programme and the New From Scotland showcase slot.

Published: 10 November 2025

Join Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day March Against Racism and Fascism

March with the STUC in Glasgow on Saturday 29 November to show your solidarity and stand united against racism and fascism in Scotland.

Published: 05 November 2025

Out of focus interior of a venue, lights over an empty stage set for a panel, in front of a crowd.

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Returning on 13 November, the MU will host a panel discussion on the state of fair work in the creative industries, as well as one-to-one advice sessions for members attending.

Published: 04 November 2025

Five wooden blocks with the outline of people apart from one which is a weighing scales, representing fair work.

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

29 organisations across Scotland have become the first to endorse a new Fair Work for Freelancers checklist, developed by trade unions representing the creative sector alongside the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

Published: 31 October 2025

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

Take part in the consultation protesting the proposed closure of Dumfries and Galloway’s instrumental music service. Share your views by 23 November 2025.

Published: 27 October 2025

Six people standing in a horizontal row on a hilltop, each person holding a letter sign to spell out the word 'Better'.

Scotland Demands Better: Join the Anti-Poverty March in Edinburgh

Join over 5,000 people in Edinburgh for the Scotland Demands Better march and rally against poverty on Saturday 25 October 2025.

Published: 14 October 2025

Wooden blocks representing people voting in an election.

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) ballots are due to take place, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent them at Regional and Executive level.

Published: 09 October 2025

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Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 19 August 2025

Close up of legs running on a treadmill.

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Following the success of our discounted hotel room benefit, we’re now offering MU members exclusive access to reduced-rate gym memberships with The Gym Group — one of the UK’s leading fitness providers.

Published: 01 August 2025

Image of the hearing protection kit you receive when joining the scheme. The text says “Protect your hearing” and “Audiological assessments and custom-made hearing protection for musicians”. The Help

New Clinics Added to the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme in Galashiels and Truro

New clinics in Scotland and South West England join a growing list of UK locations where musicians can access affordable, professional hearing support.

Published: 31 July 2025

An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Two young musicians in a home studio, one at a desk recording on keyboard with microphone, the other sat behind her playing an acoustic guitar.

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

The MU is calling for immediate action following the publication of a damning new report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and Scottish creative industry unions, which revealed that only 6% of over 800 creative freelancers surveyed would describe their working conditions as “good”.

Published: 03 June 2025

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

A young male musician, playing to an older man who is smiling as he listens.

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Changes have been introduced to the disclosure system in Scotland from 1 April 2025, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking work and enhance the PVG Scheme.

Published: 08 April 2025

Waving flag of Scotland with Oban Bay in the background.

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Take the 15-minute survey launched by the Scottish Government to assess how the culture sector is supported in Scotland.

Published: 16 January 2025

A music teacher with a student holding a saxophone.

MU Gravely Concerned by Threat to Stirling’s Instrumental Music Service

Stirling Council has opened a consultation surrounding proposed budget cuts to its Instrumental Music Service. Take the survey and sign the petition to share your views.

Published: 08 January 2025

Two young women playing Highland Bagpipes in front of stone wall.

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

National Piping Centre research reveals fundamental challenges facing women in piping and drumming.

Published: 13 December 2024

A woman sat at a piano, smiling as she teaches a young girl how to play.

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

Instrumental Music Services across Scotland are under threat. Help protect their existence and the livelihoods of their workforce by contacting your local authority councillors and MSPs, to demand that government grants to cover instrumental music tuition are used only as they are intended.

Published: 28 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

A musician busking on the street with a crowd around him.

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

Take part in a two-minute survey about busking in Edinburgh to make sure artist needs are represented in future council decisions.

Published: 15 October 2024

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

We are deeply concerned to learn that Creative Scotland has closed the Open Fund for Individuals due to the Scottish Government budget cuts.

Published: 21 August 2024

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

Musicians' Union staff and members holding Pride flags at a Pride march.

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

The Musicians' Union has reached 35,000 members this year, marking a milestone in its continued growth.

Published: 01 August 2024

View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

concert crowd in front of bright stage lights.

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Applications are now open for Scotland-based artists to perform their music at the Made in Scotland showcase on 14-15 August 2024.

Published: 11 June 2024

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

Diverse group of men and woman talking informally in a bright open space.

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

In this blog, musician, arts facilitator and MU member Giles Perring shares his thoughts on why Regional Committees (RC) can help shape the work of the Union, and gives us an insight into a typical Scotland and Northern Ireland meeting.

Published: 09 February 2024

Close up of an Orchestral Ensemble from behind.

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation

MU members who were engaged by the Nevis Ensemble as Fellows have been awarded compensation by an Employment Tribunal after the organisation's collapse in January 2023.

Published: 19 January 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Close up of bank notes from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget

The proposed increase in culture and heritage funding is welcome, but falls far short of both what the music sector needs and what was promised.

Published: 20 December 2023

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BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Artist Applications for Wide Days 2026 Now Open

Join Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day March Against Racism and Fascism

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

Scotland Demands Better: Join the Anti-Poverty March in Edinburgh

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

New Clinics Added to the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme in Galashiels and Truro

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

MU Gravely Concerned by Threat to Stirling’s Instrumental Music Service

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

2023 End of Year Round Up

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget