SCOTTISH indie icons Idlewild came together last night with some of the country’s best breakthrough artists to mark the official launch of Help Musicians Scotland.

The night proved a roaring success as the band delivered a memorable acoustic set full of old fan favourites in front of a sold out King Tut’s, ten years since they last graced the iconic stage. Their set followed three performances from some of Scotland’s most exciting young talent, all of whom have received help from Help Musicians in the past, with Be Charlotte, Indigo Velvet and Skjor all displaying their massive potential to a crowd full of passionate music lovers.

Indigo Velvet said to the crowd: “Thanks so much to Help Musicians for having us and for all the help they’ve provided our band. Their support is imperative to musicians and we’re buzzing to see them launch in Scotland tonight”

The special night was organised to coincide with the arrival of the UK’s leading independent music charity in Scotland and was at the heart of a series of events taking place across the country this week with Edinburgh, Dumfries, Perth and Dundee all hosting various fundraising events.

Help Musicians UK Chief Executive Richard Robinson was joined onstage by Claire Gevaux, Director of Help Musicians Scotland, who laid out a series of pledges and also announced their support of professional development within the sector by offering bursaries to Scottish music industry conference Wide Days in April.

The full list of pledges can be seen below.

  • to support musicians to gain access to our services from every region in Scotland
  • to train more volunteers for our health and welfare services in Scotland
  • to give our campaign and appeals a regional voice for Scotland
  • to work with likeminded organisations to ensure music services across Scotland are accessible
  • to support those working in the music industry by developing coaching and mentoring programmes
  • to support access to employment in the Scottish Music Industry with creative apprenticeships and internships
  • to work with organisations which support entrepreneurial sole traders or small businesses in music

As an independent charity, Help Musicians Scotland relies on public support and are now encouraging the nation’s music fans to help them achieve their pledges. Today, they are auctioning a series of amazing items and experiences, kindly donated to by supporters of Rooted In Scotland such as a signed guitar from Biffy Clyro and tickets to sold-out shows. The full list can be found at www.helpmusicians.org.uk