Scottish government announces £2.2 million of support for small venues

Earlier this month, the PM signalled the return of some “socially distanced” live music events this August. Under the proposed plans, from August 1, socially distanced audiences were going to be able to return for indoor performances in theatres, music halls and other venues.However, that decision has now been reversed after the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, said the country is now “at the outer edge” of how far it can safely re-open.Speaking at a Downing Street press

Luxembourg  has been taken off the list of countries exempt from quarantine, the Scottish Government said. It follows a similar decision about Spain on July 25.

shield from coronavirus have died, according to the Scottish Government. However, ministers have been criticised after saying they do not hold information on the causes of death.

coronavirus are being urged to take full advantage of the support available. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in people facing challenges around bills, rent and job security.

Ben Shephard had a shock when he hit the golf course this week.

Alex Salmond debacle.A Holyrood committee wanted documents relating to the Government’s botched Salmond probe by the end of this month, but a civil servant has said even the end of August is “unlikely”.Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans cited “data protection obligations” and “legal restrictions” as reasons for the delay.Get all the top Scottish politics news sent straight to your Inbox by signing up to our Politics newsletter.We cover Holyrood, Westminster and local councils, with a current focus

coronavirus pandemic.A joint venture by Band on the Wall, the Music Venue Trust and Stephen Budd Music, Passport: Back to Our Roots is seeking to aid “the independent grassroots venues that form the foundations of the UK’s live music scene” by putting on a series of one-off shows at small venues across the country.“This is your exclusive opportunity to watch the biggest artists play their smallest gigs – live and in person like they should be – while making a huge difference to the UK’s

to self-isolate at home upon their return from Spain should be compensated, Willie Rennie has said. The Scottish Lib Dem leader called on Holyrood ministers to offer support to holidaymakers who travelled to the popular destination under the impression they would not have to quarantine when they arrived home.

reimpose quarantine restrictions on passengers arriving from Spain has been branded "shambolic" as opposition parties questioned the U-turn. It was announced on Saturday evening that thousands of Scots holidaymakers will have to self-isolate at home for two weeks when they return from the popular tourist destination due to rising virus infection rates in the country.

casinos by announcing a date for their reopening after lockdown. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) made the plea, saying businesses need clarity.

fund to protect the UK’s arts and cultural industries will be used to save grassroots music venues from closing their doors.In a statement, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed that £2.25 million of emergency funding will be used to secure the futures of up to 150 venues across the country.“Without our grassroots music venues, we wouldn’t have The Beatles, Adele or Elton John.

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway have formed an amazing friendship.

Richard Leonard has said the Scottish Government has a "moral obligation" to help low-income families left struggling during lockdown. The Scottish Labour leader said an equivalent to the delayed Scottish Child Payment should be offered to those who are unable to make ends meet as soon as possible.

MSPs looking into the botched probe on harassment allegations against Alex Salmond have raised concerns key information might have been redacted from government documents. A batch of over 150 documents was put on the Scottish Government’s website last week with some parts blanked out to comply with strict public freedom of information rules.

NHS medical and dental staff across Scotland are to receive a 2.8% pay rise, Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman has announced.

from Spain, it was announced today. The decision means that mainland Spain and the Spanish islands will be added this week to a list of destinations exempt from the Scottish Government's two-week quarantine rule.

The SNP has called on Rishi Sunak to grant Holyrood greater borrowing powers to help boost Scotland's economic recovery following four long months of lockdown. Ian Blackford, the party's leader at Westminster, wants the UK Government to offer a a "cast-iron commitment" to the devolution of key financial powers at today's mini-Budget.

Rutherglen, and presents challenges that the government does not currently have the powers to meet.

Perth and Kinross Council “a fair deal” to help with a potential £50 million void as a result of the coronavirus.