Scottish Greens propose ticket tax on Swifties

THE Scottish Greens have highlighted their plans to protect grassroots venues ahead of singer Taylor Swift’s world tour stop in Edinburgh this weekend.

According to the Music Venue Trust, the number of smaller venues closing in Scotland climbed from just one in 2021 to five in 2022, and 14 last year, cutting off vital opportunities for artists to get a foothold in the industry.

The Scottish Greens have now proposed a £1 levy on stadium concert tickets, a tax they say could net £1 million a year from Scotland’s two biggest stadia alone.

It could have brought in as much as £200,000 from Ms Swift’s three-night residency at Murrayfield to plough into supporting grassroots music, artists and venues across the country.

Scottish Greens’ culture spokesman Mark Ruskell said: “A small £1 charge on the biggest stadium-packing gigs like Taylor Swift at Murrayfield could have a transformative impact on our industry and our culture.

“Music and art are about inspiring people and turning dreams into a reality.

“These moments are priceless. It’s a difficult time for all venues.

“That is why we must take action now to protect them, otherwise it will be too late.”