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

Small, dark, empty stage at a grassroots basement style venue. Instruments are ready and fairy lights line the back wall of the stage.

Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), backed by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has expanded its support for UK artists, with an additional £300,000 added to the fund and successful applicants now able to apply for up to £8,000. Applications for this round close on 11 September.

Published: 03 September 2026

Read more about Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost
Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures