'We're still here' - pictures show Leith businesses needing your support under strain from tram works and Covid-19

Traders on Leith Walk reveal their struggle keeping businesses open with ongoing tram works and coronavirus restrictions.

By Katharine Hay

Published 16th Sep 2020, 13:44 BST

Updated 16th Sep 2020, 22:51 BST

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.

Businesses on Leith Walk have been struggling under the constraints of coronavirus and ongoing tram works.

1. Businesses in Leith need your support

Businesses on Leith Walk have been struggling under the constraints of coronavirus and ongoing tram works. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

Edinburgh City Council's Trams to Newhaven project has had a major impact on access to businesses on Leith Walk. Traders have spoken to Edinburgh Evening News about the struggles they have come up against under the strain of the construction works on their doorstep and social distancing rules. The works start at the top, near Elm Row and stretch to the bottom of Leith Walk.

2. Trams to Newhaven project

Edinburgh City Council's Trams to Newhaven project has had a major impact on access to businesses on Leith Walk. Traders have spoken to Edinburgh Evening News about the struggles they have come up against under the strain of the construction works on their doorstep and social distancing rules. The works start at the top, near Elm Row and stretch to the bottom of Leith Walk. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

Francesca Contini, from Valvona Crolla, said it's important to maintain pressure on Edinburgh City Council to do all that it can to keep customers coming to Leith despite the ongoing works. "The trams need to be completed," she said, "because it will connect Leith to the heart of Edinburgh, but the council needs to keep momentum supporting businesses throughout."

3. Keep customers coming

Francesca Contini, from Valvona Crolla, said it's important to maintain pressure on Edinburgh City Council to do all that it can to keep customers coming to Leith despite the ongoing works. "The trams need to be completed," she said, "because it will connect Leith to the heart of Edinburgh, but the council needs to keep momentum supporting businesses throughout." Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

Svetlane Marin, who runs Maria's repairs, has started making masks to try and encourage customers to her door. "I took over the place in January and everything was going fine," she said, "but it's been so noticeable the drop in people coming since the tram works started, and of course since Covid-19 arrived."

4. Having to adapt

Svetlane Marin, who runs Maria's repairs, has started making masks to try and encourage customers to her door. "I took over the place in January and everything was going fine," she said, "but it's been so noticeable the drop in people coming since the tram works started, and of course since Covid-19 arrived." Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

Traders Newhaven Edinburgh Covid-19