As Edinburgh continues to languish in level three of the new Scottish coronavirus lockdown tier system, determined drinkers have been flocking to pubs on a cold Friday night, despite the fact that restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars must close by 6pm and are not allowed to serve alcoholic drinks under the current restrictions.
However, there is a loophole that allows pubs to operate a takeaway option and sell alcohol for consumption off the premises - off sales are usually intended to be drunk at home, but thirsty Edinburgh locals have been snapped enjoying al fresco pints in plastic glasses while congregating outside at least two city centre pubs.
The restrictions also state that outdoor social gatherings are restricted to a maximum of six people from two households.
One person sent in photos of a crammed pavement outside O'Connors pub in Canonmills, saying: "‘The staff aren’t wearing masks and no one in line either. I think a fair few people have called the cops."
In Leith, people gathered outside the Nautilus pub on Duke Street in the drizzling rain; queues for their takeaway drinks hatch stretched around the corner, despite the low temperatures.
There has been growing criticism of the Scottish Government's decision to keep Edinburgh at level three of the restrictions. Nicola Sturgeon has refused to move the capital to level two, which would mean fewer restrictions on hospitality, saying that opening up the capital before Christmas risked increasing transmission.
She was slammed for the decision to keep Edinburgh at level three, despite the area having indicators on a par with regions in levels one and two.
Tonight, a group of Edinburgh businesses failed in a legal bid to overturn a Scottish Government decision to keep the Scottish capital in Level 3 of tough Covid regulations.
Roddy Dunlop QC told the Court of Session on Friday how the Scottish Government’s refusal to move Edinburgh into Level 2 was “unlawful” and “irrational” and placing companies at risk of “financial ruin.”
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However, if - by leaving Edinburgh in level three - Ms Sturgeon was hoping to avoid scenes where crowds gather for festive post work drinks, it seems that hasn't been 100% effective, as local residents have managed to find a way to socialise for Friday night pints regardless.
