Traditional Arts and Culture Fund (Round 3)

Small, fast money for traditional music work in Scotland. The Traditional Arts and Culture Fund is National Lottery money routed through Creative Scotland and delivered by TRACS, the national network for traditional music, song, storytelling, dance and crafts. It supports making new work, performing, touring and showcasing it, and developing professional skills and learning — so a short run of dates, a small commission, or a period of study with a tradition bearer all sit within scope.

Both individuals and organisations can apply. The ceiling is £1,200. Two restrictions matter more than the rest: the fund will not pay for buying equipment, so an instrument or a PA is out, and it cannot be used to match another Creative Scotland fund, which rules out stacking it on top of a larger award.

Round 3 opened on 4 August 2026 and closes on 1 September. You apply through an online form after reading the criteria and guidelines document. TRACS also publishes a sample budget, which is worth following rather than inventing your own layout, and the assessment panel's register of interests. Application materials are available in English, Gaelic and Scots. Receipt is confirmed by email and the team contacts applicants directly with the outcome. Note that the detailed assessment criteria live in the guidelines PDF rather than on the fund's web page, so read that before writing anything.