Edinburgh city centre in August is normally buzzing with thousands of tourists and performers from every corner of the globe. But this year is very different. With safety concerns around the continuing spread of coronavirus, the festivals have been dramatically scaled back.
Photographer Lucy Norris (‘Ms Marchmont’ @lucynorris1 on Twitter), captured how eerily quiet the capital’s streets have become in these 11 photos. “The silver lining of the lockdown has been for locals to see Edinburgh in a new, beautifully peaceful light,” Lucy told The Evening News.
"However the reasons behind this are worrying - it’s sad not to have the festival happening and it’s concerning for the local economy,” she added.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news on this year's festivals here.
. The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is normally one of the busiest areas of the city centre during August. The contrast with an image taken outside St Giles' Cathedral this year could not be more stark. Photo: Lucy Norris
. The Meadows
The Meadows are the erstwhile home of the Lady Boys of Bangkok and their vast circus tent. The parkland looks empty without it. Photo: Lucy Norris
1. The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is normally one of the busiest areas of the city centre during August. The contrast with an image taken outside St Giles' Cathedral this year could not be more stark. Photo: Lucy Norris
2. The Meadows
The Meadows are the erstwhile home of the Lady Boys of Bangkok and their vast circus tent. The parkland looks empty without it. Photo: Lucy Norris
3. The Castle
The Castle Esplanade is usually home to the world-famous Tattoo. Photo: Lucy Norris
4. The Castle
Instead, this year the esplanade has been filled with tech to produce a lights show in the night sky this weekend. Photo: Lucy Norris