skip to main content

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

The Scottish Government has announced that gatherings will be limited to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday.

Published: 10 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of a woman holding a violin in what appears to be an orchestral setting, other stringed instruments can be seen in the blurred background along with a music stand.
We are gathering any questions that you might have to inform a new FAQ section next week. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the Government’s announcement on new restrictions in England, the Scottish Government has made a similar announcement – with limits on gatherings being reduced to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday, unlike England, children under 12 will not be included.

We're waiting for further clarification on how this will affect musicians.

We have been assured that the full guidance and a list of exemptions will be published before Monday and we will of course let members know as and when that has happened, keep an eye on our twitter channel and our regular Covid-19 update emails.

Let us know what questions you want answers to

In the mean time we are gathering any questions that you might have to inform a new FAQ section next week. Let us know what questions you’d like to ask and we’ll try our best to cover them when we have more information, either by adding to our thread on twitter or emailing twitter@theMU.org

Pressure the Government to act now and protect musicians

Despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Help us make the case to the Government for vital financial assistance for musicians by completing our new survey. It takes less than two minutes to respond and will help us make the case for the Government. Don't forget to share it!

Take our brief survey 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 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

Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists
Manchester skyline at night.

Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange

Calling all Manchester-based musicians: have your say on the future of the region’s music sector by completing GMCA’s new Music Plan survey. You can also attend a free creative industries event in the city-centre on 30 April for networking, discussion and live music.

Published: 20 April 2026

Read more about Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange