skip to main content
Search

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players
All news and features