Scots campaigners have lent their support to EU proposals that would allow all musicians to take their instruments on board aeroplanes.

Revised Air Passengers Rights regulations would mean all air companies must accept small instruments as hand baggage and would impel them to be clear about rules for larger instruments.

Yesterday, an event in Edinburgh supported the revision, a result of lobbying by the International Federation of Musicians and the Musicians' Union, including a petition signed by 43,000 people.

Alyn Smith, an SNP MEP, said: "Airlines can set their own rules about musical instruments just now and musicians often don't know those rules in advance.

"That can cause problems and worry for the musicians because their instruments can be fragile and are often very expensive.

"I will be doing everything I can to make sure this change happens."

Mr Smith added the proposals were likely to come into force in early 2015.