Edinburgh council officials have outlined plans to hold the world-famous Christmas market virtually this year.
Organisers have opened up applications for local businesses in the capital to showcase their products in an online market.
The market is expected to display the work of artisan producers, makers, local retailers, bakers, gift companies and restaurants among a whole host of others.
Businesses will be able to sign up to the festive directory free of charge.
Fans of the the huge market were left gutted after it was announced that the event would be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials said it would not be possible to host the physical event with social distancing measures in place.
Thousands normally flock to the German market, which is hosted at the city’s Princes Street Gardens.
Ruth Fisher, Producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas for Underbelly said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a hugely important event for the city and this year’s digital programme has been designed to put Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first.
“The new Christmas Neighbourhood Market is designed to shine a spotlight on the wealth of products and produce that we have here in Edinburgh and encourage residents to shop locally this Christmas.
“In what has been an unprecedented year for Edinburgh, we hope that Edinburgh’s Christmas programme brings some cheer and enjoyment to everyone this festive.”
Santa Claus will also be reading a festive story every evening from December 1 to December 24 as part of the online programme.
Organisers are calling on writers of all ages from within Edinburgh and the Lothians to send in their own festive stories.
The best stories will be read out by the big man himself and published on the Edinburgh Christmas website.
More information on the writing competition can be found here.
