IDLEWILD are to headline Rooted In Scotland, an intimate gig at Glasgow’s King Tut’s in aid of Help Musicians UK, an independent charity for musicians and those working in the music industry.

The band, who played two special shows at Glasgow’s O2 ABC in December to mark 15 years since the release of their Remote Part album, will play an exclusive acoustic set at the gig on February 1, the same day as the official opening of the Help Musicians Scotland (HMScotland) operation in Glasgow.

The charity, established almost a century ago in 1921, provides support to artists and other industry roles through health and welfare services, campaigning, creative programmes and investment initiatives.

The opening of the dedicated office in Scotland follows HMUK’s launch of their office in Northern Ireland in 2016, and HMScotland aims to consider the needs of those in different geographical areas of Scotland and provide support beyond the central belt into the Highlands and Islands and Borders. HMScotland also aims to reflect all genres, celebrating the country’s musical heritage as well as creating sustainable music programmes and funding for the future.

Richard Robinson, chief executive of Help Musicians UK, said his organisation is “wholly committed to being an impactful national charity” and that the Glasgow-based arm will “aim to support and enrich the musical landscape of Scotland by taking an entrepreneurial and proactive approach to programming, supporting and giving”.

Also appearing at the launch show will be colourful Dundonian popmaker Charlotte Brimner aka Be Charlotte, dreamy Edinburgh indie band SKJØR (pronounced “Sure”) and tropical pop combo Indigo Velvet, all of whom have received support from the charity in the past.

Rod Jones of Idlewild said: “We are absolutely thrilled to support the launch of Help Musicians Scotland at one of our favourite venues, King Tut’s. We’ve played some really special gigs at the venue, the first 21 years ago and a five night stint in 2008, so it’s truly an honour to return for such a great cause.

“Help Musicians Scotland do amazing work to support musicians at all stages in their career. We’re planning a special acoustic set for the evening and fans should expect a fitting set-list to mark a landmark moment for the Scottish music industry.”

All proceeds of the gig will go to the charity, and a further allocation of tickets has just been released at bit.ly/RootedTuts.

For details of the other Rooted In Scotland events taking place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries and Perth between January 31 and February 2, including talks and advice sessions covering subjects such as mental health and how to break into the industry, see the website.

www.rootedinscotland.org.uk idlewild.co.uk iambecharlotte.com www.facebook.com/skjorofficial