A popular Edinburgh bar has become the latest venue to be forced into temporary closure as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the Capital’s hospitality sector.
The Banshee Labyrinth informed regulars it was to close its doors until after Christmas due to “unforeseen circumstances” hours after a raft of postponements and call offs for a series of events in the city.
The Edinburgh Playhouse and Traverse Theatres both cut short their Christmas runs in reaction to skyrocketing case numbers prompted by the omicron variant across the city.
Data from Public Health Scotland (PHS) revealed 995 new cases of covid had been recorded in the Capital over the latest 24-hour testing period.
A statement from Banshee Labyrinth read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Banshee is unfortunately having to close our doors effective immediately until after Christmas.
"My greatest apologies to all of you - thank you for all your continued support, we'll hopefully see you all soon. Have a wonderful Christmas pals; stay safe."
Good Brothers Wine Bar in Stockbridge, Down the Hatch on Antigua Street, The Salt Horse on Blackfriars Street and the Timberyard restaurant on Lady Lawson Street have all closed down for the festive period in an effort to protect staff.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to speak at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday to update the country on the current the situation, with further restrictions yet to be ruled out.
PHS figures showed 6,734 new cases across the country in the run up to Christmas Day, with thousands now set to miss out on seeing family members due to self-isolation.
