A campaign backed by music stars Biffy Clyro, Deacon Blue, KT Tunstall and The Proclaimers warned the industry has been left at "breaking point".

The Scottish Commercial Music Industry Taskforce has warned the government to "act immediately" to head off a looming financial crisis.

It said more than 3000 jobs and 10,000 freelance contracts have been put at risk and called for indicative dates for when shows can resume without social distancing.

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The taskforce claims there is a 'significant disconnect' between venues reopening next month but with social distancing in place, and the reality of financial viability.

Leading promoters, event organisers, festivals venues and agents said Scotland has fallen behind all other parts of the UK.

The alliance is also supported by festivals like TRNSMT, Belladrum, Hebcelt, Doune the Rabbit Hole and the Edinburgh Summer Sessions.

It said there had also been a failure to provide any ongoing support to an industry which has been valued at more than £450 million to the economy in recent years.

A letter to the government states: "If not immediately addressed, the consequences of the current indecision and inaction for Scottish artists, venues, booking agents, festivals, freelancers, promoters and production companies will be catastrophic.

"We are at breaking point.

“Scottish artists, venues, freelancers and music businesses cannot afford the impending cultural and economic cost in jobs, skill losses and cultural output, neither now nor in the future.

"Our industry has been closed for 12 months and will continue to generate no income until economically viable live music returns.

“We need to save Scottish music.”

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Geoff Ellis, chief executive of DF Concerts, said: "We need the Scottish Government to step up and give our industry some hope via indicative opening dates - without physical distancing - that we can use to start planning the journey back to creating life affirming moments for Scottish music fans.”

Glasgow-based promoter and nightclub owner Donald MacLeod said: “We are now witnessing the avoidable demise of the Scottish music industry.

“The jobs and talent we are losing will cause irreparable damage to our industry.

"Music is not just of economic importance to Scotland but is also of huge cultural and social significance and so the Scottish Government must act now.”

Nick Stewart, Scottish coordinator of the Music Venues Alliance, said: “It’s very clear that under new guidance no grassroots music venue can viably open regardless of whether they are technically allowed to.

“Many venues will be restricted to 10 per cent of normal capacity.

“The Scottish Government must work out circumstances, and preferably dates, under which live music can return without restrictions, and make sure that where venues can't viably open there is continued support to make sure closures don't become permanent.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.