skip to main content

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

The Scottish Government today outlined a four-stage approach for the easing of lockdown, taking us up to the end of April. After that, the plan is to return to a localised tier system.

Published: 23 February 2021 | 4:42 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
View of Waverly Hill in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh standing empty.
We will be keeping members informed as we know more about how the different stages and tiers are likely to affect musicians and their workplaces. Photo credit: Shutterstock

In Scotland, there will be four-stages to moving out of lockdown, followed by everybody moving to Tier 3 and then gradually easing down through 2 and 1 where it’s deemed safe to do so.

The last week in April should then see a wider re-opening which would include non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers and so on, as well as non-essential work in people’s homes. This should allow private teaching premises to re-open and in-person lessons to resume in students’ homes. However, more details for that stage will be delivered in mid-march.

We will be keeping members informed as we know more about how the different stages and tiers are likely to affect musicians and their workplaces.

Continuing to call for revised and realistic performing arts guidance

MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland commented on the move:

“We welcome the announcement from the First Minister today and are pleased that there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. We will now be seeking clarity from the Government on what this means specifically for musicians and will continue to call for revised and realistic performing arts guidance.

“This must not include blanket bans on musical performance, but should differentiate between different types of musical activity and allow those performances that can be made safe to resume in line with the easing of other restrictions.”

A summary of the four-stages

The stages are as follows:

  • Phase 1 (yesterday, 22 February) early learning, childcare and schools open for Primary 1-3 pupils and senior phase pupils for essential practical work. Limited increase in the provision for vulnerable children. Care homes opening to facilitate meaningful contact between relatives/ friends and residents.
  • Phase 2 (unlikely before 15 March) more school reopening and non-contact outdoor group sports for 12-17 year olds. Socialising rules eased, to allow outdoor meetings of 4 people from 2 households.
  • Phase 3 (at least three weeks later, possibly 5 April) Stay-at-Home requirement removed. Third and final phase of schools reopening if required. Places of worship can open on a restricted numbers basis. Essential retailers list expanded slightly and click-and-collect resumes for non-essential retail.
  • Phase 4 (possibly 26 April) Limited other easing within Level 4, including permitting non-essential work in people’s homes. Return to variable Levels approach. This will enable the graduated opening up of economic and social activity.

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

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members