# Martyn’s Law in Scotland

> Yes. The main duties of Martyn’s Law apply in Scotland as in the rest of the UK, with the SIA as regulator. Here is what Scottish venues and events need to know.

Martyn’s Law applies in Scotland. According to the Act’s explanatory notes, Parts 1 and 3, which contain the main duties, extend and apply to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The same tiers, procedures and notification rules apply, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates across the UK.

## At a glance

- **Applies in Scotland?**: Yes
- **Regulator**: Security Industry Authority (SIA)
- **Tiers**: Standard 200–799, enhanced 800+
- **Duties expected**: From spring 2027 (date not fixed)

## How the Act applies in Scotland

The duties in Parts 1 and 3 extend to the whole of the UK. Part 2, which concerns licensing, extends to England and Wales and to Scotland but not Northern Ireland. The explanatory notes say no legislative consent motion was needed from the Scottish Parliament.

In practice, a Scottish venue or event uses the same tests as anywhere else in the UK: what the premises are used for, how many people are reasonably expected at once, and whether an exclusion or special rule applies.

[Check your tier](https://wardcote.co.uk/check-your-tier)

## What Scottish venues need to do

- Standard tier (200–799 people): notify the SIA and have appropriate procedures for evacuation, moving people to safety inside, lockdown and communication.
- Enhanced tier (800 or more) and qualifying events: the procedures, plus measures to reduce vulnerability, a document for the SIA and, where needed, a designated senior individual.
- Places of worship, schools, childcare and further education premises remain standard tier even at 800 or more, if they qualify.
- Village halls, churches, pubs, theatres, stadiums and events follow the same rules as in England and Wales.

[Standard tier](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/standard-tier) · [Enhanced tier](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/enhanced-tier)

## Festivals and events

Large events in Scotland are covered in the same way. An event can be a qualifying event where 800 or more people are expected at once and the other event criteria are met, including where it takes place at premises that are otherwise out of scope.

[Martyn’s Law for events](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/events) · [Event security](https://wardcote.co.uk/event-security)

## Questions

### Does Martyn’s Law apply in Scotland?

Yes. The main duties apply in Scotland as in the rest of the UK, and the SIA is the regulator.

### Is there a separate Scottish version?

No. It is one UK Act. The licensing part (Part 2) extends to England, Wales and Scotland but not Northern Ireland.

### When does it start in Scotland?

At the same time as elsewhere. The duties are expected from spring 2027 at the earliest; no exact date is set.

## Sources

- [Explanatory notes: territorial extent](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/10/notes/division/5/index.htm)
- [The Act as enacted](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/10/enacted)
- [SIA role and implementation timetable](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-martyns-law-and-the-sias-role-as-regulator)
- [Home Office myth buster](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69281f35b3b9afff34e960f0/martyns-law-mythbuster.pdf)

## Related

- [When does Martyn’s Law come into force?](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/when-does-it-start)
- [Martyn’s Law standard tier: what you need to do](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/standard-tier)
- [Martyn’s Law enhanced tier: requirements](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/enhanced-tier)
- [Martyn’s Law crowd management and event security](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/events)

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Source: https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/scotland · Last reviewed 2026-10-16 · Wardcote, venue and event security. General guidance, not legal advice.