Covid measures for Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon's announcement today of increased Covid measures for Scotland poses fresh challenges for our industry, especially coming at what is usually the most vital time of year for theatre box offices.

Particularly devastating is the limiting of events' capacity and the reintroduction of social distancing, which will make it impossible for the vast majority of theatres to operate without making a significant loss and for many it means they will have no choice but to close which will mean the immediate loss of work for freelance and casual staff.

We welcome the Scottish Government's allocation of new funding for affected businesses and call for it to be distributed as quickly as possible to those most in need in our industry. Theatre organisations will continue to need emergency aid into the New Year to help venues survive and protect our workforce.