An Edinburgh whisky expert is still shielding from the pandemic due to a fear of losing his senses of taste and smell that are essential to his job and livelihood.
Blair Bowman who once travelled around the world sharing his whisky expertise, has been quarantining in his home since the pandemic hit in March 2020 only leaving his home for his weekly grocery shop and occasional walks.
The now 31-year-old even gave up his 30th birthday celebrations due to self isolating at his home due to a fear of catching covid-19 and facing potentially life changing symptoms.
READ MORE - Edinburgh police launch huge manhunt for man spotted on roofs of upmarket apartments
Despite being double vaccinated the Edinburgh local has continued to be cautious even now with most restrictions lifted in Scotland, choosing to work at home and keep his Whisky expertise business thriving via zoom calls.
Blair said that as hospitality has returned to normal, he has insisted on continuing to shield and turned down hundreds of tasting events across the country.
One of the main symptoms of the virus is loss of taste and smell and for someone who makes a living from refined whiskey tasting, it's not difficult to see why coronavirus could change his career forever.
Speaking to the Scottish Express he said: "I have made this decision and I have come to peace with that.
"I am doing the right thing for myself and others.
"There is still a risk, despite being double vaccinated. We can still spread this virus amongst each other."
The committed businessman said he hasn't been to a pub or restaurant in 20 months and his once travel-based job has switched entirely online.
Before the pandemic, he travelled the world with trips booked to Norway, Japan, Macau, Ghana, the US, United Arab Emirates and China.
His work mainly involves hosting tasting events for private clients and guests.
He said: My business is thriving, it's growing dramatically actually because I am able to do so much through Zoom.
"I am very fortunate to do a job that I love which is nosing and tasting whiskies and working with clients and consulting on projects around the world.
"My life is very much a virtual world and has been since the rest of the world started to unlock.
"I have to decline dozens, probably hundreds, of events now and I'm having to decline lots of tasting events."
Mr Bowman hasn't been entirely on his own. He lives with his partner who is also self-employed.
He added: "Both of us are very comfortable in our little bubble."
Mr Bowman told the programme he is at peace with the fact he is still leading a lockdown life and is in no rush to return to normal.
He said: "I don't want to take a risk that could jeopardise my sense of smell which is so important to my livelihood."
The pair have become well known at their local shop who have done their best to shield them from the virus.
Mr Bowman said: "The only time I am going out is once a week to collect shopping from a distance in a car park in a supermarket.
"They know me now so well not to come near me, to leave the trolley next to my vehicle and then, once they have left, I put the bags into my car and away I go."
