Edinburgh is being hit hard by Covid. We should all wish city leaders well – Angus Robertson

Edinburgh is particularly exposed to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic because of the importance of the tourist industry, writes Angus Robertson

Edinburgh's streets have been almost deserted for weeks (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

Edinburgh is sadly the most exposed part of the country to the economic damage being caused by the coronavirus crisis. The Capital is estimated to face a loss of more than eight per cent of gross value added during the course of this year, a fate shared with the rest of the Lothians.

The calculations by KPMG show this is in large part down to the income that usually comes from foreign visitors. More than any other part of the UK, Edinburgh and the Lothians benefit from high spending by international visitors.

Edinburgh Council is now considering a special strategy for “Adaptation and Renewal” to limit the economic damage and aim to emerge as best as possible from the pandemic. Civic leaders Adam McVey and Cammy Day are presenting the strategy to councillors this Thursday.

In outlining the plan, Adam McVey thanked everyone in the city who has been part of the response to the crisis and said: “The Adaptation and Renewal Programme is a crucial first step in moving us through the current crisis and on towards a ‘new normal’.

“In the meantime, we’ll continue to do absolutely everything we can to tackle the crisis and the challenges it presents while supporting our great city and its residents and helping us build an even better Capital for the future.”

With a huge shortfall projected for city businesses, the cancellation of the Edinburgh festivals and the expected loss of the entire summer tourism season, the Capital faces huge challenges.

It is good that city leaders and councillors of all parties are trying to steer a way through the massive challenges and we have to wish them well in their endeavours.

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