Dalkeith yoga studio owner wants to re-open

Linda Pike only opened The Eskbank Yoga Lounge last October on Eskbank Road, before having to close in March due to lockdown. While she was happy to abide by the rules to save lives in the battle against Covid-19, she has grown frustrated as more sectors have been allowed to re-open in the past couple of months, including pubs , hairdressers and shops.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced that gyms and fitness businesses could not re-open until at least September 14.

Linda said: “We are continuing to battle on and have been providing free online classes on Facebook for the community throughout lockdown. This is a business which only opened in October after a large investment and had to close five months later. By September we will have been closed longer than we have been open.

“We obviously supported lockdown whilst it was necessary for public safety but it is now becoming discriminatory that a Covid secure business is still closed whilst other businesses are actively being promoted.

“We wish to open immediately and are safe to do so.

“At the time of closing we had three self-employed yoga teachers taking classes at the studio. They have not been able to work for us since we closed down, and it will be difficult to bring them all back as and when we open due to the restrictions we will need to operate under to maintain social distancing.”

Linda also highlighted the knock-on effect the closure of Eskbank Yoga Lounge could have: “This is damaging to the economy, local employment, and most importantly the health and wellbeing of the community.

“We are main sponsors of Dalkeith Rugby Club Mini Rugby and it is hard to see how we can continue to support this initiative which promotes local health when we are simply not able to operate.

“The decision is also inconsistent with other government policies such as the “Eat out To Help Out” campaign and the need to tackle obesity.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “As the First Minister outlined, we know how difficult this situation is for those sectors and activities who are facing a further wait before they can resume and are acutely aware of the potential impact that will have on people’s livelihoods.

“The current situation in Scotland means we need to take steps to guard against a possible resurgence in the virus that may hinder our ability to reopen schools and pause shielding.

“We will continue to review the situation to see if earlier reopening is possible, with the intention to provide a further update in three weeks’ time.

“In collaboration with the fitness sector we have been developing robust guidance and protocols that will allow necessary preparation for facilities to provide confidence for customers and staff to return safely. We hope to publish that shortly.”