In her lockdown review yesterday, Nicola Sturgeon announced that Edinburgh is set to remain in level three of the Scottish coronavirus restrictions, but many locals have been left in a state of confusion after Edinburgh and Midlothian were placed in two different levels of lockdown, despite all falling under the same NHS Lothian health board.
Many people believed Edinburgh to be in Midlothian, and started to celebrate the relaxed level two restrictions ahead. However, although some people put 'Midlothian' below Edinburgh addresses, the capital is in its own council area called City of Edinburgh.
While West Lothian is in full-blown level four lockdown, Edinburgh is to remain in tier three, while East Lothian and Midlothian are to move down to tier two.
The two local authorities being placed into different tiers has sparked debate as to where should be considered Edinburgh, with one person saying: "I'm puzzled by this as I'm currently living in Greendykes and when I get mail it has Midlothian on it but I pay my council tax to City of Edinburgh Council."
One food blog even suggested that Edinburgh could enjoy tier two benefits from next week, penning: "As of next Tuesday, Edinburgh can look forward to dining out until 8pm & having a wee glass of alcohol with your dinner again. "
When challenged, they replied: "Midlothian and East Lothian are down to Tier 2 from Tuesday, and last time I checked Edinburgh is Midlothian. I could be very wrong."
They were very wrong.
Another person found themselves finding out that they actually live in Edinburgh not Midlothian for the first time, writing:
"Here’s me been thinking for the last 26 years that Edinburgh was in Midlothian up until today btw, writing it whenever I write my address, the lot."
Others agreed, with one person adding: "Is Midlothian not in Edinburgh? I get all the Lothians mixed up."
Many also questioned why Edinburgh has a football team named Heart of Midlothian if they aren't in the local authority.
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"So are Hearts from Edinburgh or Midlothian?," added another.
The debate rumbled on for some time, and it's not clear if absolutely everyone in Edinburgh will be clear on what level they are in when they change at 6pm on Friday. If you're still unsure, you can enter your postcode in the Scottish Government's Covid level checker here.
Alternatively, we have created the handy map above to help show locals if they live in Edinburgh or Midlothian. We hope it helps.
