Businesses across Edinburgh have struggled under recent health guidelines brought in since the pandemic hit the UK – but traders in Leith have the added pressure of tram works obstructing their front doors.
The Trams to Newhaven project has lined Leith Walk with construction works restricting access to shops and businesses in the area.
While access is possible still on foot and by bike, travel to the once bustling street by car and public transport is severely limited.
Here are some pictures of some businesses and their owners talking about the strain of Covid-19 and the tram works, and reminding customers that they are still open for business.
9. Businesses in for a long wait
According to the Edinburgh trams website, the works are due to continue until early 2023. David, who has been running Elvis Shakespeare for about 15 years, said he is concerned many businesses currently on Leith Walk will not be open by the time the tram works finish. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson
10. 'In the first stage of a marathon'
Tracy Griffen, who runs Griffen Fitness on Leith Walk said with the long stretch of trams works ahead, businesses will have to be more flexible and adapt to the current circumstances. "I'd say we are in what feels like the first stage of a marathon," she said. "It's not going to get easier and businesses will notice the major drop in customers/clients because of these works, so it's important for traders to create an online platform in this time." Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson
11. Jeremiah's Taproom
Nicky Gaskall from Jeremiah's Taproom said despite the constraints of tram works and Covid-19, she feels spirits are still high in Leith. "It's Leith," she said, "everyone just gets on with it here, that's the attitude of Leithers." Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson
12. Council schemes
Nicky praised the council's Eat Out to Help Out and itison schemes to help bring customers to businesses. "Sure we've lost our bar flies, and the atmosphere is very different with fewer people coming in, but those who have been coming in have been really supportive and we have a good local crowd. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has done wonders, we have extended ours for September and October so people can keep coming for that." Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson