'It’s a choice I have made simply to keep myself and family safe': Edinburgh taxi driver hit hard by Covid turns to photography

Doug Brown, a black cab driver in the Capital, is working to make money from his favourite hobby after hanging up his car keys in the latest lockdown.

The soon to be 56 year old Doug, has decided to sell the artistic photographs he takes of Edinburgh after the latest restrictions are announced.

He explained: “I own a black cab in Edinburgh and currently not working the cab until level 4 restrictions are lifted.

This one was taken from Blackford Hill taking in the view over to Arthurs Seat.

"It’s a choice I have made simply to keep myself and family safe from catching the virus.

"Up to the first lockdown in March my art, design & photography was really just a hobby.

"During the March lockdown I started creating a lot more digital art, I also uploaded more of my photography.

"All this again was really just a hobby, but if I could make some extra money out of my creativity then that would be a bonus.”

Douglas can't drive his taxi during lockdown, so is making money from photography instead.

As well as putting three ebooks together made up of his favourite photographs, Doug, from Newcraighall, sells a variety of products including phone cases and jigsaw puzzles.

He continued: “As you know the Edinburgh Taxi Trade has been on its knees since March, takings have been down by at least 80%.

"The Government grant has helped, but has barely been sufficient to cover all my bills.

"As a Black Cab owner, it’s not as easy to simply walk away from the job and a job that I love to do.

Edinburgh taxi driver, Doug Brown.

"Everything helps in breaking the doom and gloom that the covid virus has thrust upon us all, I’m truly thankful that I have something else to concentrate on, without my art, design and photography, I don’t how I would be getting through these tough times.”

The First Minister announced in Parliament on Monday that tighter lockdown restrictions will be enforced after cases of the new strain of coronavirus rise.

People will now have to stay at home, only leaving for essential reasons including care giving, essential shopping, exercise and visits with extended households only.

Schools will not return until February though Ms Sturgeon has warned that this could be extended.

St Margaret’s Loch and includes a beautiful Swan with Arthurs Seat and St Anthony’s Chapel in the background.

The Prime Minister announced a similar lockdown in England.

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