On Tuesday 13 April 2021, the Scottish Government published further updates to the COVID-19 Strategic Framework – Protection Levels. These updates include new information for live events which are of relevance to you as an FST Member. Both the Scottish Government’s Performing Arts and Venues Guidance and the Events Sector Guidance pages are expected to be updated in the coming days to reflect this information.
We have outlined some of the key updates from the announcement in the summary below, you can also download the full 10-page Scottish Government PDF here.
FST Summary of Scottish Government Announcement
The Scottish Government continues to stress that all outlined updates below are conditional on supportive data that the coronavirus suppression in Scotland continues at the current rate, in part facilitated by the continued success of the vaccination programme across Scotland and adherence to government guidelines.
Protection Levels updates
All levels below refer to the Scottish Government’s Protection Levels Framework. You can find out which level your local authority is in at any time by clicking here.
- 17 May, all of Scotland expected to move to Level 2, with theatres and venues permitted to open (albeit with social distancing and capacity limits)
- Early June, predicted that the country will move into Level 1
- Late June, predicted that the country will move into Level 0
Live events can now take place in Levels 2, 1 & 0
At each level, all events are subject to restrictions and must adhere to all relevant government guidelines. You can find the most recent guidance here:
Further updates to these guidance pages are expected in the coming days to better reflect the update announced on 13 April.
Social Distancing
Social distancing under the new guidelines is still mandatory. Capacities for theatres and venues will be subject to 2-metre physical distancing requirements. The Scottish Government is creating further guidance on this which, once published, we will circulate.
Updated Capacity Limits for Live Events*
- Level 2
Indoor events: 100
Outdoor events: 500 for seated, or 250 for free-standing, respectively - Level 1
Indoor events: 200
Outdoor events: 1,000 for seated, or 500 for free-standing, respectively - Level 0
Indoor events: 400
Outdoor events: 2,000 for seated, or 1,000 for free-standing, respectively
*There is a note in the updated guidance which states that higher capacities can be agreed with your Local Authority/The Scottish Government. There is no clearer guidance on how this process would operate and, with colleagues, we will continue to stress the need for clarity in this area.