About Cairn

‘A union that espouses a sense of community & welcomes all members of our artistic world. A union that is both local & international in outlook, thought & deed.’

Cairn was established in 2021 by a group of professionals working in the performance arts in Scotland. Our aim is to improving working conditions for all workers in our sector, as well as raising awareness of our members’ contribution to the public life and economy of Scotland.

Collectively, we strive for fair representation in employment and contractual negotiations. Our work is to promote, protect and further the artistic, economic, social and legal interests in our professional capacity. 

Cairn’s membership is representative of a wide range of professionals. We recognise that the lived experience of our members is vital and that collective learning is necessary if we want to implement change. We are committed to making positive change around inclusion and access and to take an active role in protecting and advocating for members who face discrimination within the industry. 

Cairn members work for the best possible terms and conditions in all aspects of their work and to secure these by organisation and all other effective methods of unity of action.

‘We are a collective undertaking, offering guidance and direction, built and maintained over the years by our members, each relying on the support of the other, like the stones of a cairn.’

‘Cairns were unique to Scotland and are gaithered thegither by hunners or thoosans o fowk aa contributing ae single stane. Developed by generations, Cairns gie direction, shelter and are communal undertakings that we aa build and maintain ower years tae help each other tae safety.’

Quote from Alistair Heather, Scots Language expert & TV presenter, that inspired out name.