Scottish Government Publish New Guidance for Venues and Performing Arts

The guidance is intended to assist the performing arts and venues sector in Scotland on safe re-opening during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 25 August 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM

Photograph of a guitarist and saxophonist performing to an outdoor audience. — “The MU have fed into this guidance, alongside fellow creative unions and industry stakeholders.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the announcement from the Scottish government that some outdoor live events in Scotland will be able to return with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures and restricted numbers from Monday 24 August – the Scottish government has now released further information to help with a safe re-opening.

Read the guidance on the Scottish government's website.

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, commented:

“The Scottish government have published their sectoral guidance for Performing Arts and Venues. The MU have fed into this guidance, alongside fellow creative unions and industry stakeholders.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government as the situation and guidance develops.”

Find out more about the Scottish Government’s plan for the performing arts, including a new fund for grassroots venues.

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

Continue reading

Young adult women with red hair in a recording studio, looking at a laptop while playing keyboard.

Youth Music Report Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Young Creatives in the Music Industry

Youth Music’s 'Just the Way It Is?' report, developed with the MU, highlights the safety issues, discrimination and exploitation still affecting young people in music and offers clear recommendations for change.

Published: 04 December 2025

Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves poses outside 11 Downing Street with the red Budget Box before heading to parliament to deliver her Budget.

Chancellor Increases Minimum Wage and Lifts Two-Child Benefit Cap in Autumn Budget

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn Budget, outlining the Government's plans for the economy - increasing the National Living Wage and ending the two-child benefit cap.

Published: 26 November 2025

Charlie Baxter: Winner of The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader 2025

Congratulations to Charlie Baxter, winner of the MU-sponsored Inspirational Music Leader award at this year’s Youth Music Awards. In this guest blog, discover how Charlie’s career in education has focused on breaking down barriers and making music truly accessible and inclusive for young people.