Covid crisis: Edinburgh's restaurants need our help to survive – Angus Robertson

Things are particularly difficult for the hospitality sector, which normally plays such a large part in our social lives and employs tens of thousands of people.

In Edinburgh, we should get behind the festive season campaign “Taste Edinburgh” to promote the sector. People are being encouraged to buy online gift vouchers for Edinburgh bars, restaurants and hotels as Christmas presents for friends and family.

Taste Edinburgh has received backing from the likes of Michelin Star chefs Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart; James Thomson from Prestonfield House Hotel and The Witchery; Victor and Carina Contini from Contini George Street, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at The Scottish National Gallery and Cannonball Restaurant on Castlehill; and Signature Group owner Nic Wood.

Other businesses backing the initiative include Civerinos, Fingal, 21212, Timberyard, Fhior, The Broughton, Kyloe, Cold Town House, Ondine, McLarens on the Corner, Copper Blossom, The Boozy Cow and The Westroom.

Speaking in support of the initiative Tom Kitchin said: “Supporting Scottish hospitality has never been as important as it is this year. Buying a hospitality gift voucher is a contribution which makes a difference to not only a restaurant and its team but to the whole supply chain of fishmongers, butchers, veg growers, florists, taxi drivers and so many others. Helping your local hospitality business means supporting many people and their livelihoods. Any contribution is welcome and appreciated.”

Leading hospitality operator Carina Contini said she hopes the public will “fall in love with dining out again”. “Gifting a voucher for a restaurant is like giving a hug to your community. The restaurant, the suppliers and their team will all be so grateful for your purchase. The dining experience will feel like the best treat ever. A voucher is a wonderful purchase for our independent restaurant community. We so very much appreciate all your support you have given us in a very difficult year and look forward to sharing happy times ahead.”

James Thomson, who owns The Witchery at the top of the Royal Mile and Prestonfield House Hotel, said: “As we build up to what is going to be a very different Christmas, it has never been more important to make sure we’re supporting our local businesses. Whilst we’re hugely grateful for the support we’ve received from customers to date, this campaign has been set up to highlight the local and independent venues in the capital that need a little extra boost to get through what is going to be a very difficult winter for many.”

In Edinburgh we have to hope that Covid restrictions will soon be relaxed, however new lockdown measures in Wales, Germany and elsewhere illustrate the dangers of new infections during the festive period as people relax their guard.

Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey was right to express disappointment over the continued level of restrictions in the city which I share. Hopefully we can move into a new category soon and give the economy and society much-needed room for recovery, while maintaining safeguards.

If you would like to support Taste Edinburgh, you can buy the vouchers at individual websites or from www.tastecommunications.co.uk.

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