Nicola Sturgeon outlines Scotland lockdown rules over Christmas

Politicians in the Scottish capital have also voiced anger at the news it will remain under Level 3 restrictions, the nation’s second-highest tier. The First Minister said she fears taking a less cautious approach could see COVID-19 cases “skyrocket” in the city, leading to “even more severe restrictions” being imposed.

But Ronnie Reid, who owns Edinburgh’s One20 Wine Cafe, is leading a legal challenge against the Scottish Government’s decisions.

Mr Reid claimed Tuesday’s decision ignored Ms Sturgeon’s own framework for assessing which level each area should be in.

In a letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, his lawyer argued the Scottish government’s approach to Edinburgh is “illogical and misdirected.”

Lawyer Elaine Motion, of Balfour+Manson, said Mr Reid would now consider “further appropriate steps, including a judicial review”.

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Ms Motion, added: “The decision to leave Edinburgh in Tier 3 is contrary to the criteria put in place by the Scottish Government to assess levels fairly.

“It undermines the process and undermines all the efforts of businesses like One20 Wine Cafe to follow the rules – and threatens the very viability of businesses at a crucial time of year when cases in the city are lower than even some local authorities in Tier 2.”

Analysis by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association shows the move could cost the city’s pubs almost £3.2million in lost revenue if there was no decision to change the tiers before January.

Currently, only 92 pubs are open, but this could increase to 277 if the capital moved to Level 2.

Adam McVey, the SNP leader of Edinburgh City Council has demanded a meeting with ministers to get a “full explanation” as to why the city has not been moved down to Level 2.

Mr McVey said: “Our numbers are stable and have now been consistently within the rates of level 2 for some time.

“We know what a dire situation local businesses continue to face and the latest news will be yet another blow in the lead-up to the Christmas period – which should be their busiest time of the year.”

Scottish Labour MSP for Edinburgh Southern Daniel Johnson said on Twitter he is “deeply disappointed” by the decision.

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His colleague and Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the decision was a hammer blow to businesses across the city.

The Edinburgh South MP added: “It’s no surprise that business owners are considering legal action.

“The news that Edinburgh is stuck in Level 3 is devastating for employers and jobs and could have a long-lasting impact on the local economy.

“Thousands of jobs and livelihoods in the city are now on the line and the Scottish Government needs to step up to the plate.”

In response to the concerns, Nicola Sturgeon insisted she did not “pick on” Edinburgh by refusing to loosen coronavirus restrictions in place in the city.

She stressed decisions on restriction levels are “difficult”, and added: “I am not taking these decisions for no reason.”

During the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, she said: “The day I can stand here and say the whole of Scotland is open again, there are no restrictions, go back to living your life normally, will be the happiest day of my life.

“I can’t wait to get there, but we are not there yet.”

On Wednesday she said she would have “loved” to loosen restrictions in Edinburgh.

“Politicians like to do popular things,” she said.

“The fact I didn’t do it was not to pick on Edinburgh, I love Edinburgh. It was not to pick on Edinburgh, it is because I think it is essential to take that cautious and safe approach.”

She said she wants the capital to be “open, free and businesses trading and people coming to visit it”.

Ms Sturgeon’s move came despite Edinburgh scoring “Low” in three of the Scottish Government’s five virus indicator measures, “Very Low” in one and “Moderate” in the other.

Midlothian, Fife and Perth and Kinross were also frozen at Level 3 even though they recorded lower recent Covid rates than other council areas in Level 2.

Crucially for the hospitality industry, a move to Level 2 would have allowed alcohol to be served with meals until 8pm.

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