LEADING figures in Scotland’s music industry have said it is on the brink of collapse and they have called for immediate action from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Commercial Music Industry Taskforce (Scmit) said that unlike England and Wales, its music industry has no government roadmap for reopening and lacks any ongoing sector specific financial support, which it said was critical to sustaining the industry in Scotland.
In a letter to the Scottish Government, it said: “Our industry has been closed for 12 months and will continue to generate no income until economically viable live music returns. We need to save Scottish music.”
Task force member Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts and Events, said: “The industry in Scotland is worth close to half a billion pounds in music tourism alone.
“Live events are at the heart of Scotland’s cultural identity and all of this is in serious jeopardy right now as our industry continues to suffer with no meaningful roadmap nor any sector specific financial support available going forward.
“We need the Scottish Government to step up and give our industry some hope via indicative opening dates – without physical distancing – that we can use to start planning the journey back to creating life affirming moments for Scottish music fans.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said updated protection levels have been published, including new limits on attendance at public events tailored to individual settings.
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