The Scottish Government has announced a £2.2 million fund to support grassroots music venues.

Economy secretary Fiona Hyslop delivered the news during the First Minister’s daily press briefing on Friday July 10th.

The £2.2m boost to the independent music industry – a figure agreed with the Music Venue Trust – will be used to provide stability to small venues over the next few months, particularly with the recent announcement that indoor entertainment venues not able to reopen until at least July 31st.

Ms. Hyslop said: “Earlier this week the UK Government also recognised our calls for more support for culture and heritage and there are a number of areas where immediate support is required, including grass roots music venues and museum.

“We are working closely with each of these sectors to develop support packages and will announce more details in due course.

“I have agreed a £2.2m fund with the Music Venues Trust for the coming months which will quickly provide much-needed stability to grass roots venues for the coming period.”

Nick Stewart, who as well as running Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh, is also the Music Venue Trust’s Scottish co-ordinator, and thanked the Government for “their commitment to grassroots music venues.”

“This funding will stabilise venues in the short term and prevent permanent closures, and we can begin to plan towards reopening every venue safely,” he added.