Scotland’s music venues

Despite Scotland’s worldwide reputation as a music nation, our grassroots music venues are under extraordinary financial pressures with many facing closure that will hit communities hard, reducing access to culture and limiting creative opportunities. How can politicians and the music industry work together to keep these venues open and ensure that Scotland continues to produce world beating musicians and songwriters for decades to come? Chair Michelle Thomson MSP Convener, Cross-Party Group on Music Panellists Beverley Whitrick is the COO of Music Venue Trust, a charity created in January 2014 to protect, secure and improve the UK's grassroots music venues. Beverley runs the charity, manages the team, oversees campaigns and communication, produces Venues Day, manages the Music Venues Alliance, liaises with cultural sector, and government partners, and represents MVT at national/international meetings. Hamish Hawk is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. Born and currently residing in Edinburgh, he has recently released his new album Angel Numbers. A previous winner of The Skinny's Scottish Album of the Year and featured on the 2022 SAY Award Shortlist, 2023 finds Hamish at the top of the game, off the back of a sell-out UK tour and top 5 album chart positions in the Independent, Vinyl and Scottish album charts. Jim Frayling, from booking Wembley Stadium for 12.5 years, to winning the bid for Kai Tak Sports Park, Jim is an experienced business leader in sports, music and events. He is a key member of the Mott Macdonald Venues & Events Team and is currently providing advisory services to Cardiff Council around their arena development and St David’s Hall. Jim has worked on venues ranging from the 150 capacity St Neots Arts Centre to stadiums such as Twickenham in the UK as well as schemes abroad.