Provisional Timetable for Easing Lockdown in Scotland Announced

The announcement includes hopes for outdoor events and concerts from 24 August, and live music venues and theatres from 14 September.

Published: 30 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM

Photo of musician singing into a microphone on the stage with bright white lights behind. — Nicola Sturgeon hopes that theatres and live music venues will be able to open from 14 September with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Nicola Sturgeon has announced a provisional timetable for the further easing of lockdown and confirmed that Scotland will not be announcing a move from Phase three to Phase four of the lockdown restrictions yet.

Sturgeon announced that she hopes that from 24 August, outdoor events and concerts with physical distancing measures, enhanced safety and hygiene measures and restricted numbers will be permitted, emphasising that this information is indicative and will not be confirmed until nearer the time.

She also announced that she hopes that theatres and live music venues will be able to open from 14 September with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. In order to facilitate this, the Venue Relief Fund has been increased from £10m to £12.5m.

Read the Scottish Government’s full route map for moving through and out of Phase Three on their website.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Older woman with glasses sat with a coffee cup and note books in front of an open laptop at home.

MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July

The online meetings will explore under-18 and post-18 music education in Wales as part of UK Music’s strategy for the devolved nations.

Published: 11 July 2025

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.