skip to main content

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has approved the use of Coronavirus vaccination certificates to enter some events and higher risk venues, with the scheme coming into effect on 1 October.

Published: 10 September 2021 | 4:01 PM Updated: 10 September 2021 | 5:30 PM
Photograph of a socially distanced audience watching a live performance from the back. We see them from behind, seated on distanced chairs with a red light.
The measure is aimed at reducing risk while maximising Scotland’s ability to keep open certain settings and events where transmission is a higher risk. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MSPs have voted in favour of the measure, which will come into effect on Friday October 1, aimed at reducing risk while maximising Scotland’s ability to keep open certain settings and events where transmission is a higher risk and encouraging uptake of the vaccine. You can find out more on the Scottish Government’s website.

We do have concerns that, initially, the scheme will not permit a negative test result to be offered as an alternative to evidence of vaccination, but this will be kept under review.

However, the scheme does say that it will seek to provide medical exemptions for those who are unable to be vaccinated – although there are no details for what evidence will be required to show exemption, and so concerns about potential discrimination remain.

Which events and “higher risk” venues will this scheme apply to

The scheme will apply to:

  • Nightclubs and analogous venues
  • Sexual entertainment venues
  • Live events, indoors unseated 500+ in the audience
  • Live events, outdoors unseated 4,000+ in the audience
  • All events, 10,000+ in the audience

Our main concern is that there doesn’t seem to be a clear definition yet of “nightclubs and analogous venues”, and that this could end up applying to music venues as well.

There also is currently no mention of any additional financial support for the increased administrative and security burdens of enforcing this measure. This could pose significant difficulties for some festivals and events at a time when they’re still suffering massively from the effects of lockdown.

We’ll be keeping members updated as more details are released.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Read more about CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries
Llinos Owen playing Bassoon on stage.

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

Read more about Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”