The BIT Collective: Responding to Research on Abuse and Harassment in the Scottish Traditional Music and Folk Scene

The BIT Collective invites key stakeholders from across the Scottish traditional music and folk scene to come together for an important evening of discussion and action. This event will focus on responding to recent research on abuse and harassment in the traditional music and folk scene, with the aim of improving safety, inclusion, and accountability across the sector.

We welcome a wide range of stakeholders, including event and festival organisers, venues, creative arts organisations and collectives, session hosts, band managers, tutors, and educators.

The evening will begin with a series of short presentations exploring key findings from the research, delivered by key representatives from the BIT Collective, the University of Glasgow, SMIA, and the National Piping Centre.

Following this, attendees will take part in facilitated group discussions led by members of the BIT Collective. These sessions will focus on four key areas:

• Sector standards and accountability
• Events, festivals, venues, and organisations
• Practitioners, education, and culture change
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the wider traditional arts sector

This event is designed to support the implementation of practical changes around safeguarding, gender equity, and broader inclusion, helping to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone involved in the trad and folk community.

We strongly encourage those in positions of responsibility or influence to attend, or to ensure their organisation is represented.

Venue accessibility info: 

Main office entrance via the Stage Door at 87 Albion Street. 

Accessible access for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility pre-arranged. Please contact us at bitcollectiveevents@gmail.com or contact the venue directly on info@scottishmusiccentre.com if you have any accessibility requirements. 

On-street parking for blue-badge holders available on Albion Street, Bell Street, and Candleriggs.

Accessible toilet facilities available on-site.