Hyslop has welcomed the news that three music venues in her constituency will receive emergency funding support from the SNP Government.
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the music industry, the £2.2 million fund will provide grassroots live music venues with vital emergency funds to help prevent unnecessary closure.
Local venues Dreadnought Rock, Midnight Breakfast Club, and Purple Orange Arts Venue were told this week that they will benefit from this financial support, which totals over £50,000 for the West Lothian music industry from the Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund.
Fiona Hyslop, who in her role as Culture Secretary was instrumental in setting up the Grass-Roots Music Venue Fund. Ms Hyslop has been working to make sure that Scottish Government funds reach local music venues.
Fiona commented:
“The live music scene in West Lothian has faced many hardships this year, with most venues having to keep their doors closed since March.”
“As Culture Secretary, I have worked closely with the music sector to develop this package of support which should quickly provide much-need stability to grass roots venues for the coming period.”
“I am delighted to see music venues in West Lothian be relieved of some of the financial pressures and uncertainty they have faced during this pandemic.”
“There’s a long road to recovery for the sector, but with the continued support of the SNP Government, I’m sure we can secure the future for West Lothian music venues and the local talent they can nurture and showcase.’
Local Music Venue, Dreadnought Rock commented:
“The Dreadnought is a vital and much-loved part of the music scene in West Lothian and this grass-roots music funding is welcome as we try and get through Covid. We need to safe-guard the music scene for bands and audiences alike and this support from the Scottish Government can help that.”