A number of Edinburgh pubs are set to push ahead with St Patrick's celebrations despite warnings for public to cut non-essential contact to curb the spread of coronavirus.
On Monday, Boris Johnson called for "drastic action" to tackle the "fast growth" of the virus and urged British citizens to end all "non-essential" contact, which included heading out to pubs, restaurants and clubs.
However, the Prime Minister stopped short of ordering entertainment venues to close as part of his lockdown strategy.
The Three Sisters and McSorely's are among the bars set to host events today in the name of Saint Patrick and insist they will be complying with guidelines and regulations.
In a statement released on Friday, The Three Sisters say they have "capped" the major event and headliners will not be appearing - but the it will happen.
A spokesperson for The Three Sisters said: "Due to the COVID-19 situation at the forefront on everyone's mind we wanted to post an update to our attendees.
"Our St Patrick’s party will be going ahead on Tuesday March 17th, but will comply with guidelines and regulations."
McSorely's also said on Friday that their St. Patrick's Day Party would be going ahead as planned on Tuesday.
In an update on Facebook, the bar said: During the current Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis, we would like to reassure you that we are doing everything necessary to look after the health and safety of our customers and members of staff.
"We are closely monitoring Government advice on a daily basis and all staff have been briefed on symptoms and criteria for self-isolation.
"All our employees are fully aware of the current requirements and are being vigilant in ensuring hygiene procedures are held to the highest possible standard and maintained, throughout every area of the business.
"We are open for business and will continue to check the Governments advice daily.
"At this time, our St Patricks Day Party on Tuesday 17th March will be going ahead as planned."
Elsewhere, Beltane Fire Festival has been cancelled while both the Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival and King's Theatres have shut their doors during the outbreak.
The Scottish Government announced yesterday that there had been one new confirmed case of coronavirus in the Lothians since Sunday, up from 28, with 171 throughout Scotland.
Edinburgh Live will be bringing you all the latest updates concerning the virus in Edinburgh and the Lothians on our live blog.
