ON 2 September last year, violinist Nicola Benedetti told this newspaper: “The last thing that should get in the way of children making music is money.”

Her comments were accompanied by exclusive Scotland on Sunday figures showing that a shocking 24 local authorities across Scotland were charging children between £95 and £340 per year to learn a musical instrument.

No fewer than 11 councils had increased fees for the new school year, while five local authorities were also ch...

Schools are to be given an extra £1m by the Scottish government to buy musical instruments for pupils.

Ministers will also set up a working group to look at music tuition fees, which can vary across councils.

Among issues it will examine is the question of charges for pupils sitting SQA music exams.

The EIS teaching union, which has been campaigning for "fair access" to music education for pupils in all parts of Scotland, welcomed the announcements.

Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan said ever...