skip to main content

New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled new Covid restrictions for Scotland today, the new five tier system will come into force from 6:00 am on Monday 2 November.

Published: 29 October 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Fife coastal path from Burntisland to Kirkcaldy photographed from above, the path is empty.
In Level 1, for areas with the second lowest levels of infection, the latest government plan envisages the opening of music venues and theatre.

The First Minister laid out how the five tiers will apply across the country’s local authorities and will apply as follows:

Level 3 – Glasgow City, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Inverclyde, City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling, Dundee.

Level 2 – Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Fife, Perth & Kinross.

Level 1 – Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles.

Areas can be moved to different tiers in the future depending on whether it is felt the situation is improving or getting worse, with weekly reviews being carried out.

  • In Level 1, for areas with the second lowest levels of infection, the latest government plan envisages the opening of music venues and theatres, and the go-ahead for “small seated indoor events.”
  • In Level 3, although the rules on hospitality businesses in this level have been relaxed to allow bars and restaurant to reopen on the same basis as cafes, including a ban on selling alcohol, arts venues must wait. For all those hospitality businesses that are open from next week, they will still have to operate under a ban on background music.
  • It was advised that anyone living in a level three area should not travel outside the council area they live in except for "essential reasons" such as work, outdoor exercise, essential shopping or healthcare or caring reasons. Anyone living in a level one or two area must not travel to a level three or four area unless it is essential.

For further detailed information see the Scottish Government’s page on Scotland’s Strategic Framework.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU members and staff standing in front of the Union's bright yellow marching banner which reads

MU Members Join TUC May Day March in Leeds

MU members and staff took part in the TUC May Day event in Leeds on 2 May, joining trade union colleagues from across the movement in a show of solidarity and collective action.

Published: 15 May 2026

Read more about MU Members Join TUC May Day March in Leeds
Jenny is wearing a rainbow hat and two MU members are wearing Union branded t-shirts, carrying flags and a keyboard.

‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026

Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, the MU reflects on a year of member stories, activism and solidarity across the music industry, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ voices within the Union and beyond.

Published: 14 May 2026

Read more about ‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026
Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report