News & Stories for Musicians

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

A musician in a recording studio sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard next to him.

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

With Scotland’s elections fast approaching, we’re calling on musicians to help secure real change by signing the petition for Fair Work across the nation’s creative industries.

Published: 02 April 2026

Inside of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, empty wooden seats sit in a half circle around the main speaking stage with screens.

Scottish Election 2026: Where Parties Stand on Musicians’ Priorities

At the recent Culture Counts election hustings, representatives from Scotland’s major parties addressed key issues facing musicians. Here’s how their positions align with the MU's priorities ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

Published: 03 March 2026

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

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Call for Research Participants: Disabled Musicians’ Access to Glasgow Venues

A new PhD study is seeking participants to help explore disabled musicians’ access to live music venues in UNESCO City of Music Glasgow.

Published: 04 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

Back of a women playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage.

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

A new report has been published by researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, representing the largest evidence base on harassment within Scottish Folk Music.

Published: 22 January 2026

Interior of the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, Scotland.

MU Responds to Scottish Budget 2026-27

While the Musicians' Union welcomes the Scottish Government's increase to Culture spend, we are concerned about the lack of funding for individual artists and those engaged by the National Performing Companies (NPCs).

Published: 15 January 2026

A close up of a child playing the xylophone as part of a school orchestra.

Sign the Petition to Stop Education Cuts in Dumfries and Galloway

Ahead of a final decision in February, our sister union, the EIS, has published a petition against education cuts in Dumfries and Galloway, including the proposed removal of the instrumental music service.

Published: 14 January 2026

The Scottish flag, flying over an old stone building in Edinburgh.

Task Force Sets Out New Fair Work Recommendations for Scotland’s Creative Industries

The landmark Fair Work Task Force report outlines 16 recommendations to tackle precarious employment, strengthen workers’ rights and improve conditions across Scotland’s culture and creative industries.

Published: 11 December 2025

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

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

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MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

Scottish Election 2026: Where Parties Stand on Musicians’ Priorities

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Call for Research Participants: Disabled Musicians’ Access to Glasgow Venues

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

MU Responds to Scottish Budget 2026-27

Sign the Petition to Stop Education Cuts in Dumfries and Galloway

Task Force Sets Out New Fair Work Recommendations for Scotland’s Creative Industries

BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

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

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