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 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

Continue reading

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week the MU met with important members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key topics such as music education, EU touring and workers' rights.

Published: 25 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

View of Big Ben and the houses of parliament in London,.

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

The King’s Speech, which marks the state opening of parliament, took place on Wednesday 17 and set out many promising pieces of legislation that the Labour Party intend to implement.

Published: 18 July 2024

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

Five people wearing matching t-shirts and standing in front of a big projector screen.

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion protecting LGBT+ musicians was passed unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024.