19.02.2026: UK Music unveiled its Manifesto for Music Scotland to drive jobs and growth at a special launch event in Edinburgh. 

UK Music launched its Manifesto for Music Scotland at a reception on Tuesday (February 17) close to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, ahead of crucial upcoming elections on May 7. 

Bringing together key figures from the Scottish music industry and politics, guests enjoyed music from harpist Gwen Mairi. This set the tone for a manifesto that seeks to protect Scotland’s rich musical heritage while also securing a high-growth future for the sector. 

Speaking to attendees, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl thanked the Scottish music sector for its role in helping shape the report. He specifically highlighted the Manifesto’s case studies – Hamish Fingland (Bounse Management) and Claire Mackay (Highlands and Islands Touring Network) – for giving vital insight into the workings of the Scottish music industry.  

Tom urged politicians and prospective Scottish parliamentary candidates to use the manifesto as a call to action to support the vitality of Scotland’s music sector. 

UK Music’s Director of Campaigns and Engagement Olga Fitzroy gave a short overview of the recommendations outlined in the report.

Olga said: “Our Manifesto for Music asks decision-makers to ensure that all levers of government pull in the same direction to get the best bang for buck.”  

The manifesto makes five key asks of the Scottish Government:  

• Develop a Scottish Music Growth Plan 
• Bring Down Barriers to Exporting Scottish Music  
• Guarantee High Quality Music Education for All  
• Ensure Artificial Intelligence Policy Supports Homegrown Creativity  
• Use Music to Drive Scottish Tourism 

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, also gave a crucial perspective about the current funding landscape for Scottish music. Supporting UK Music’s vision, he provided insights into the organisations that have been successful in applying for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding this year. Alan noted that over £200 million has been allocated to 251 organisations, with a further £3.2 million for 13 development-stage organisations.  

UK Music is urging all the candidates fighting for a seat in the Scottish Parliament in the May 7 elections to back the five-point plan to boost homegrown music businesses, nurture emerging music creators, make touring at home and abroad easier, and grow the Scottish music economy.