The streets of Edinburgh have never been so subdued and empty after Christmas, as Covid continues to tear its way through the country at a rapid rate.
As also reported by the Daily Record, the photographs, taken in January show a completely different side of the Capital.
The First Minister confirmed changes to the self-isolation rules in her first Covid update of 2022 yesterday, and the requirements differ depending on vaccination status.
Nicola Sturgeon also noted that some restrictions that began on Boxing Day will continue on till January 17, including limits on events.
Here's how Edinburgh looked during her announcement.
Edinburgh, January 5
The Hermiston Gait Junction in Edinburgh is usually jam-packed full of cars and forever causing tailbacks across the capital.
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However, it was eeriely quiet on January 5 as the First Minister spoke of her plans for Scotland amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The once-bustling Princes Street was desolate and quiet on January 5, as shops closed across the famous shopping street.
Earlier this week, Edinburgh Live reported that Princes Street giants including Debenhams, Topshop and Jenners, have disappeared from our city centre over the past few years.
Online shopping - which does not have to accommodate for rent or shop floor staff wages - has been able to offer deals to shoppers that were never available in store.
Alongside this, we have seen the rise of online giants like Amazon that are able to corner several markets and have your desired goods delivered right to your doorstep.
Both, along with mismanagement in some cases, have been determining factors in the loss of iconic business from the streets of Scotland’s capital.
Restaurants in Edinburgh also felt the full effects of the Covid restrictions, as many business across the hospitality sector called for the Government to do more to help them out.
People ambled along the empty Princes Street Gardens as they recovered from the festive hangover I am sure all of us have, whether it be from copious amounts of Buck's Fizz, or just mental exhaustion from the holiday rush.
It may seem sad and lonely to look at these photos, but others may find serenity in the once-bustling city looking calm and content for once.
