As Edinburgh cautiously emerges from lockdown restrictions, the full extent of the effects of the Pandemic are becoming evident.
From 26th of April Edinburgh will move down from level four to level three restrictions.
For the past 12 months, the cobbled streets – usually crowded with tourists and shoppers – have been empty and quiet. Without the bustle of everyday life, Edinburgh adopted a lonely atmosphere, where the silent lamplit alleyways and streets could almost be from a JK Rowling novel. People are the lifeblood of the city and whilst the empty castle presides over deserted streets, the residents of Edinburgh brace themselves for the reopening of their beautiful city.
But rather than a stampede, the new roadmap out of lockdown will be a slow and cautious reopening of the city’s facilities. Edinburgh has long been known as a mecca for weekenders who travail the bars, pubs and restaurants, some of which will sadly not be reopening. The extended period of closure has proven too much for some of the city’s eateries and drinking holes as they have buckled under financial strain.
If the data continues to improve, on 17th May the whole Scotland would move to level two. This would allow people to meet indoors in small numbers, which means reopening for hospitality.
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One jewel in the city’s crown that can open now is the much-loved Edinburgh zoo. Initially only open to city residents and then to general public in March, this marks the end of a worrying time for the zoo, where cost of upkeep never diminishes. Despite closing their doors to visitors, the animals need food and continuous care from staff at great cost. There will be safety restrictions in place, but it is a great step forward for the zoo and the families in the city.
The goal is of course to have the city fully open and thriving again as soon as is safely possible. Whilst some residents may have enjoyed a little peace and quiet, visitors are the backbone of Edinburgh’s income and it’s high time that the beauty and history of this incredible city are shared once again with the world.
