skip to main content

An Update the Latest Covid-19 Restrictions in Scotland

16 days of new, tougher measures, have been announced for Scotland, which will implemented nationwide from Friday 9 October.

Published: 08 October 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of empty Parliament Square in Edinburgh, during the heaviest of social distancing measures earlier this year.
There is an exemption to these rules for weddings and funerals where current rules continue to apply. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Nicola Sturgeon has announced further restrictions which will be implemented in Scotland for 16 days from this Friday 9 October at 6:00 pm until Sunday 25 October. These new measures have been based on an evidence paper published by Scottish Government senior clinical advisors. The paper assesses the current situation relating to Covid-19 and explains why additional measures are being introduced urgently.

The measures which apply to hospitality venues for 16 days from Friday at 6:00 pm to Sunday 25 October include pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes only being permitted to open indoors from 6:00 am- 6:00 pm for food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Hotel restaurants are able to operate after 6:00 pm for residents only and without alcohol (they not closing completely due to benefits for reducing isolation). The maximum number of six people from two households rule which is currently in place will still apply.

With exception of five Central Belt areas, bars, restaurants pubs and cafes can continue to serve alcohol outdoors up to 10:00 pm and subject to six-two rule. There is an exemption to these rules for weddings and funerals where current rules continue to apply.

Some areas will have more stringent restrictions

Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley will all be under a heavier local lockdown.

There will be more stringent restrictions in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley where all licenced premises except hotels for residents will be required to close indoors and outdoors. Takeaways will be permitted and cafes with no alcohol licence will be permitted to stay open to 6:00 pm to prevent social isolation.

We are seeking clarification on how this affects the current rules for weddings and funerals in these areas.

In addition, outdoor live events not permitted in these five regions for the next two weeks.

Take action now

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40