The Scottish Music Centre is a one-stop shop for information for anyone interested in music and is home to an enormous archive of nearly 30,000 items, ranging from copies of 18th-century song sheets and Scottish contemporary classical scores to the latest CD releases from traditional, rock, jazz and indie bands.

Visitors to the Centre can also use computers with a range of the latest music software, including Sibelius 4 and Garageband, and read a variety of specialist music publications, directories and magazines relevant to all musical styles and interests.

Add to this a seemingly endless electronic database resource and a team of experts whose enthusiasm and personal knowledge is second to none, and the result is a hub of information, offering unparalleled access to knowledge and advice about music created, performed or recorded in Scotland.

Managing director Gill Maxwell says 'We answer thousands of telephone and email enquiries about Scotland's musicians, composers, labels, promoters and other music-related businesses every year – and that will increase significantly as a result of our new public accessibility and awareness of what the Centre has to offer. We do tangible business for our writer members through the worldwide hire, sale and promotion of their work; we champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland’s musical community.'

Indeed, the Centre actively promotes Scotland’s music locally, nationally and internationally and a fantastic website plays an important role in that promotion. In the past 12 months more than 125,000 visitors from 96 countries have logged onto the site – at http://www.scottishmusiccentre.com – which features an online radio player showcasing a constantly updated menu of over 40 of Scotland’s newest and brightest talents, as well as an online shop selling CDs, downloadable sheet music and books.

An ongoing Education and Outreach programme which targets young people has so far seen both Oliver Searle and Donald Shaw give entertaining and informative talks to school and college pupils, with further Sessions planned for the autumn term. The Centre also welcomes visiting schoolchildren through a series of City Halls Experience Days.

The Scottish Music Centre is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC).