Pictures show Edinburgh shutting up shop as mainland Scotland goes into a national lockdown picture: JPI Media and PAPictures show Edinburgh shutting up shop as mainland Scotland goes into a national lockdown picture: JPI Media and PA
Pictures show Edinburgh shutting up shop as mainland Scotland goes into a national lockdown picture: JPI Media and PA

Ghost town: Pictures show streets deserted on Boxing Day as Level 4 lockdown begins

When the streets are normally bustling with shoppers during Boxing Day sales, Edinburgh is looking eerily quiet as the ongoing pandemic forces the country into lockdown once again.
By Katharine Hay
Published 26th Dec 2020, 15:31 BST
Updated 26th Dec 2020, 16:35 BST

Mainland Scotland enters Level 4 of the tiered system from today in a bid to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, particularly one of its new variants which, according to the Scottish Government, appears to be significantly more transmissible.

From Boxing Day all non-essential shops, gyms and businesses including hairdressers and beauticians have been forced to shut until further notice.

All pubs, restaurants and cafes must also close their premises, but can stay open for takeaway services.

It also remains illegal under the latest restrictions to travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK unless the journey is essential.

Here are some pictures showing the Capital's streets looking eerily quiet during what would normally be a busy, festive period for businesses and customers across the city.

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From Boxing Day, all of mainland Scotland has been forced into lockdown - Level 4 - in a bid to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

1. Scotland in lockdown

From Boxing Day, all of mainland Scotland has been forced into lockdown - Level 4 - in a bid to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

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From December 26, all non-essential businesses are forced to shut until further notice. Edinburgh's streets on Boxing Day, where crowds usually flock for Christmas sales, were eerily quiet as shutters were pulled down over shops across the city.

2. All non-essential trade closed

From December 26, all non-essential businesses are forced to shut until further notice. Edinburgh's streets on Boxing Day, where crowds usually flock for Christmas sales, were eerily quiet as shutters were pulled down over shops across the city. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

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Under Level 4 restrictions you cannot meet with another household in your or their home (unless for care reasons), though you can meet one other household indoors in a public place with a maximum of six people from two households. Children under the age of 12 do not count towards this number.

3. No meeting others indoors

Under Level 4 restrictions you cannot meet with another household in your or their home (unless for care reasons), though you can meet one other household indoors in a public place with a maximum of six people from two households. Children under the age of 12 do not count towards this number. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

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All restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars in Scotland have to now close since the lockdown came into effect on 26 December, though takeaway meals can continue to operate.

4. Hospitality closed

All restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars in Scotland have to now close since the lockdown came into effect on 26 December, though takeaway meals can continue to operate. Photo: JPI Media/Lisa Ferguson

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Related topics:EdinburghScotlandScottish Government