Trailblazing Skye band Niteworks have called on incoming MSPs to treat Scotland’s arts funding crisis as a national emergency, warning that future talent could be lost without urgent change.

The electronic folk pioneers, who built an international following with their Gaelic infused sound, say the current system is no longer supporting emerging artists in the way it once did.

Their own early success was supported by funding from Creative Scotland, which helped launch their debut album in 2015 and follow up in 2018.

Since then, all of their work has been self funded, something they believe would be difficult for new artists to achieve today.

Drummer Ruairidh Graham said that early support was crucial to their journey.

“We’ve had an incredible career over the years, taking in stages here in Scotland and across the world, building an amazing fan base, and culminating in what was an extraordinary final show at the O2 Academy in Glasgow captured for our forthcoming new documentary and live album.

“But we were among the lucky ones able to receive some vital funding early on which allowed us to bring out our first albums, get ourselves some promotion and airplay, securing bookings off the back of it, and then were able to self fund every other album since.”

He said that investment delivered wider benefits for Scotland.

“That investment paid dividends all round though.

“Our music has been used many times to promote Scotland on a global stage, be it through campaigns for VisitScotland, headlining Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, or our own live shows with our distinctive Gaelic sound.

“That’s quite the return on the initial funding.

“How many others could easily follow a similar path today?”

The band argue that access to funding has become increasingly complex and difficult for artists to navigate.

“We’ve seen announcements from time to time about more funding etc, but it’s not just about the volume of cash.

“It’s also about how it’s accessed and distributed.

“It’s almost a full time job on its own for artists to try and apply for these things, never mind if they are holding down other jobs to pay their rent when they should be concentrating on their music.”

They also pointed to the wider economic role of the music industry, particularly in rural and island communities.

“The music industry in Scotland, and this is especially true for islands, derives huge benefits from people who are making music, staging music, and touring music.

“It supports venues, shops, hospitality, travel businesses, with us a resurgence in Gaelic, and brings global attention.”

“But respectfully, it isn’t and never has been treated properly as one of the country’s biggest employers, exporters or income generators.”

The warning comes as venues close and pressures increase across the sector.

“With venues and festivals closing down, AI on the march, and no real light at the end of the dark funding tunnel, some artists are understandably considering just giving up, no matter how brilliantly talented they are.

“Unless the entire funding model is overhauled, including bringing in a basic income for artists, then we fear generations of musicians could be lost to the nation forever.

“That would be devastating for creativity, and the economy, in this country.”

The band are preparing to release their live album Solas na Maidne alongside a documentary capturing their final tour, with screenings planned at Skye Live in Portree before an online premiere.

The film, directed by Magnus Graham, combines tour footage with performances from their sold out Glasgow show and dates across Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London.

For Niteworks, the project marks both a celebration of their journey and a reminder of what is at stake for future artists.

Solas na Maidne documentary will be available at www.niteworksband.com from 6pm on 14 May.

The live album is released on the same day, pre-access from 9am, 11 May