Two fencers faced off in Holyrood Park recently wearing plague-era face coverings from the 17th century.
Showing off the type of PPE worn by doctors at the time of the plague Andy Taylor, 42, and wife Charlotte, 48, wore Dussack foils dating from the era.
Historically the beaked masks would have been filled with herbs, straw and spices, and were worn with a cloak, not too different from the theory behind PPE medics wear today for coronavirus.
Doctors treating plague victims also carried a cane to avoid touching patients.
Andy, who is a scientist, said: "The plague masks were a bit of fun, it was just a nod to covid.
"The plague masks would have been in use in the 17th Century by plague doctors around the time the fencing swords were introduced.
"We only got back to fencing again in September after seven or eight months."
The couple run Stork's Beak: School of Historical Swordplay, in Edinburgh.
The medieval martial arts are based on European traditions.
Andy added: "It seemed like some fun at the time.
"The Dussack was a 17th Century weapon.
"The club has been going for around ten years, it has been most frustrating not being able to train."
After just a month of being able to practice, it was taken away again.
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Andy added: "Sadly we are not able to fence currently due to the new Scottish restrictions.
"Hopefully these restrictions will be lifted shortly, as there is no evidence fencing or most other sports have led to Covid-19 outbreaks and the effects on health both mental and physical of not doing sport would surely outway the very small risk of exposure."
