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 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

Brighton pier at sunrise.

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025

Read more about Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025
Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Read more about MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025