Council Leaders: Let’s work together to help the city recover

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Leader and Depute Leader have promised to help businesses recover safely and sustainably, as Scotland prepares for the easing of lockdown from 26 April.

They have responded to the First Minister’s latest COVID-19 update on Tuesday (20 April), which confirmed that the country would move from level four to level three of restrictions, as part of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.

From Monday (26 April), changes will include the reopening of hospitality venues (indoors until 8pm, where no alcohol will be permitted, and outdoors until 10pm), non-essential shops, gyms and swimming pools, with hygiene and physical distancing restrictions in place. Indoor attractions like libraries, galleries and museums will also be able to open, while tourist accommodation can operate again and travel between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will resume.

Council Leader Adam McVey said:

The First Minister’s update is great news for people across the Capital – I’m sure businesses will be delighted their hard work to plan for reopening will pay off after this most challenging winter. Many of us are already planning catch-ups with friends, a reunion with family members from across Scotland or elsewhere in the UK or a long-awaited return to the gym.

We need to help our local economy reopen safely and sustainably and our licensing and business support teams, along with partners like Edinburgh Leisure, are working hard to make sure that happens, helping businesses to navigate the changing guidance. We know residents are keen to get back to their fantastic local and city centre shops, cafés, restaurants and museums and taking advantage of so much more besides that our Capital has to offer. After so many months without these luxuries this is an opportunity for residents to rediscover their Capital. We’ll soon be launching a campaign, along with partners, to inspire locals and, as restrictions allow, visitors, to explore all the city has to offer and to find new places to visit, shop or dine.

While the forthcoming lifting of restrictions is very welcome, and recognises the sustained fall in COVID cases, we must not let all of our hard work and sacrifices go to waste. We still need to stick to the rules and keep to the public health guidance. Social distancing, self-isolating and getting tested when needed will still be a feature for some time to come if we are to stay on-track for the city’s long-term recovery.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said:

With spring in full bloom, all children back to school and, now, the reopening of shops, hospitality venues and gyms, not to mention libraries and museums across the Capital, there is much to be hopeful about, and to look forward to over the coming months.

I want to thank the many people who have been so patient and careful over the winter, helping us to keep COVID numbers down and preventing unneeded pressure on the NHS. It’s down to all of you that we’ll now be able to tentatively emerge from lockdown, and we’ll be working hard to support the many businesses who have sacrificed over recent months to get back up and running.

However, as we look toward a brighter future, we still need to be mindful of the real risks the virus continues to pose – we’re not out of the woods quite yet. So please, let’s continue to keep observing the rules in place, keeping one another safe for a healthy and happy summer.

The Scottish Government is following a timetable for easing restrictions – indicative dates and further information can be found on their website.

Find out more about Council services and support on offer during the COVID-19 pandemic online.  

Published: April 20th 2021