Prior to the budget decision in March 2018, tuition was free and it should remain so.  Education in state schools is free in Scotland and all aspects of it must remain so.  There should be no barriers to education in any schools, and financial barriers in state schools are unacceptable.  The instrumental music service in South Ayrshire is an outstanding success.  Learning a musical instrument: (i) boosts educational attainment in other disciplines; (ii) improves health, wellbeing and confidence; (iii) provides careers for many; (iv) strengthens community activities and enables amateur music groups to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities; (v) provides lifelong social benefits for individuals and communities; (vi) is central to our proud cultural heritage; (vii) provides enormous benefits to the economy; (viii) is a powerful aid in the alleviation of many mental and neurological conditions; (ix) creates lifelong friendships; and (x) should remain freely available to all children in state schools.  South Ayrshire Council should reverse the budget decision to introduce fees for musical instrument tuition.