The impact of the virus restrictions means that up to 12,500 jobs in the pubs and bars sector could be lost across Scotland, with hundreds of establishments facing the difficult decision to close for good.
We take a look at 9 popular Edinburgh pubs and bars that have served their last regulars and are now permanently closed due to the unprecedented Covid downturn.
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5. Henricks Bar and Bistro, Barclay Place
Henrick's Bar & Bistro is closed for good, according to its Google profile. Photo: Ian Georgeson
6. 52 Canoes Tiki Den, West Port
West Port cocktail bar 52 Canoes announced in September that they had permanently closed due to the Covid pandemic. Photo: Contributed
7. Harry's Bar, Randolph Place
Popular West End watering hole Harry's Bar is closed permanently and is to be redeveloped into office space. Photo: JUSTIN SPITTLE
8. The Wildcat, Tarvit Street
Formerly Burlington Bertie's, the paint on the Wildcat's signage had barely dried when Covid hit. As the owners remarked in June 2020, they were never even able to make it to their official opening. Photo: Google