This session explores how Scotland’s music industry can grow beyond the central belt – identifying the challenges, opportunities and strategic investment needed to support regional development.
By examining what’s working in rural and regional areas, the session highlights the role of local leadership, community-led initiatives and public sector investment in creating sustainable music ecosystems across Scotland.
This session was recorded as part of the SMIA Summit 2024 – a free, two-day online event exploring what’s next for Scotland’s music industry.
Topics include:
- Building music infrastructure and ecosystems outside the central belt
- Supporting regional leaders and local creative economies
- Strengthening rural talent pipelines and reducing creative migration
- Government and sector investment in regional development
- Overcoming barriers through community-led solutions
Session Breakdown:
- 00:00 – Introduction by Robert Kilpatrick (Scottish Music Industry Association)
- 02:18 – Keynote by Prof. Simon McKerrell (Glasgow Caledonian University)
- 17:57 – Panel discussion moderated by Dougie Brown (Belladrum / Into the Light Management / The Gathering), featuring:
- Iain Hamilton (HIE / XpoNorth)
- Jane Morrison-Ross (South of Scotland Enterprise)
- Katch Holmes (Creative Producer / Programmer / Coach)
- Ola Akisanya (Chef The Rapper)
- 51:40 – Audience Q&A
Accessibility:
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Explore more SMIA Summit 2024 sessions:
- A Sound Investment – What’s Scotland’s Music Industry Worth?
- Innovate or Stagnate – Tech’s Role in Scottish Music’s Future
- Re-imagining Music Spaces – From Vision to Sector-wide Reality
- Achieving Fair Work in Scotland’s Music Industry
- Addressing Gender Discrimination in Scotland’s Music Industry
- An International Music Strategy – Building a Sustainable Global Presence
Looking Ahead to SMIA Summit 2025
The SMIA Summit will return in 2025, continuing to explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping Scotland’s music industry.
Following on from the themes of 2024, next year’s event will once again bring together artists, organisations, policymakers and professionals for two days of sector-wide discussion and collaboration.
Want to be part of it?
Join our free SMIA membership to be the first to hear about dates, programme announcements and ways to get involved.