An Edinburgh restaurant will have dish out hundreds after vandals went on a spree, allegedly targetting a number of businesses in Leith.
Bodega, a much-loved taqueria near Leith Walk on Albert Place, was among those hit by the vandals. The business had tags daubed over the frontage of the restaurant, which is currently closed amid the pandemic.
The restaurant's owner, who does not want to be named, said that neighbouring local businesses were also affected - including The Little Chartroom and The Black Fox.
He said: "I think quite a few restaurants got done, so it's pretty annoying.
"We weren't sure whether we were going to have to get the frontage repainted but it has been taken out of our hands now. It's going to cost us a few hundred because we'll have to repaint the entire thing and it's over the sign, so we'll need to get somebody back to do that.
Describing the vandals as "brazen", he added: "It's just hassle."
In a bid to identify the vandals, the restaurant shared CCTV footage of those believed to be responsible in action in the early hours of Friday morning, shortly before 2am.
In one appeal for information, they wrote: "We asked for Banksy, we got Wanksy. These guys went on a bit of a tour last night. If anyone recognises them please let us know."
Locals were outraged to see the business has been targeted, especially at a time when the hospitality sector has faced major challenges due to closures brought about by the Covid restrictions.
"I'm so sorry this happened", one said.
Another added: "Horrible thing to go to businesses that are trying to keep afloat. So sorry for you."
"Bloody hell so annoying and disrespectful. P***** me off all the graffiti that’s popping up everywhere", slammed one.
It's understood police are looking into the incident.
